Updated: May 30, 2023 @ 7:00 p.m.
A second dispenser providing access to free sunscreen is now available in Grand Bay-Westfield.
The locations are:
Brundage Point River Centre – 4 Ferry Road
and
The gazebo near the Town’s Splash Pad – 37 Epworth Park Road
These dispensers provide access to free sunscreen for residents and visitors. For complete details, please see the original news release below.
Published: May 19, 2023 @ 4:30 p.m.
Pilot project launches 32 new public sunscreen dispensers in municipalities across Canada
A free public sunscreen dispenser is now available in Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick, along with other locations across Canada as part of a pilot project to fight skin cancer by making sunscreen more accessible.
The project is powered by Save Your Skin Foundation and medical student siblings Samuel and Karen Farag. Last year the municipalities of Riverview, NB, Summerside, PEI, Brooks, AB, and New Westminster, BC installed sunscreen dispensers as part of the project. Now, Grand Bay-Westfield and eight other municipalities have joined the list.
“Sun-induced sk,in disorders can be devastating for those affected and their loved ones,” said Samuel Farag, a third-year medical student at Sherbrooke University. “It is a very prominent issue here in Atlantic Canada. However, the good news is that we are not powerless. It is therefore an honor to aid in the fight against this ever-growing problem alongside experienced professionals at the Save Your Skin Foundation in the city I call home.”
The dispenser in Grand Bay-Westfield is now available at the gazebo near the Town’s Splash Pad, located at 37 Epworth Park Road. The dispenser provides access to free sunscreen for residents and visitors.
Coming soon! A second dispenser will also be available in Grand Bay-Westfield in coming weeks, at the Brundage Point River Centre, located at 4 Ferry Road.
“The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield remains committed to its strategic priority of Community Vitality. Grand Bay-Westfield is pleased to be partnering with Save Your Skin Foundation’s pilot project to help fight skin cancer. As a mother of four, I know how important it is to protect the skin of our children from the UV rays.” – Mayor Brittany Merrifield.
The dispensers are automatic and touchless, and provide free, Health Canada approved SPF 30 sunscreen for anyone who needs it. The dispensers contain SPF 30 mineral sunscreen, which is a zinc oxide-based sunscreen, free from chemical sunscreen filters, common allergens and toxic ingredients including oxybenzone, avobenzone, retinyl palminate, PEG, perfume, and sodium lauryl sulphate. Click HERE to view the full list of ingredients.
“Studies show that young people still aren’t taking sun safety seriously despite incidence rates rising every year,” says Kathy Barnard, stage 4 melanoma survivor and Founder of Save Your Skin Foundation. “Skin cancer can be deadly, but it is also highly preventable.”
Applying sunscreen is part of an overall sun-safe way to enjoy the outdoors. First, limit your time in the direct sunlight, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., seek shade, cover up by wearing long sleeves and pants and a wide-brimmed hat. Use sunscreen, specifically one labelled broad-spectrum SPF 30, protect the lips with lip sunscreen or zinc oxide. Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after swimming.
About Save Your Skin Foundation
Save Your Skin Foundation (SYSF) is a patient-led not-for-profit organization dedicated to the fight against non-melanoma skin cancers, melanoma, and ocular melanoma through education, advocacy, and awareness initiatives across Canada. SYSF provides a community of oncology patient and caregiver support throughout the entire continuum of care, from prevention and diagnosis to survivorship. Please visit saveyourskin.ca for more information.
Town Contact Information
Phone: (506) 738-6400 (Option 3 for after-hours urgent matters)
Email: administration@towngbw.ca
In-person: 609 River Valley Drive, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays), 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Register for Grand Bay-Westfield Emergency Alerts
The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield encourages residents to register for the emergency alert system (CodeRED by OnSolve). This is to ensure that the Town can notify residents in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts. To register, visit HERE.
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