News Release
June 29, 2021

The City of Toronto, the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund and the Douglas Wright Foundation are collaborating once again to provide free sunscreen through touchless dispensers at select park and trail locations along the Toronto waterfront. The dispensers are available at 75 locations in City parks along the waterfront, from Marie Curtis Park in the west to Bluffers Park in the east.

The purpose of the City’s #BeSunSafe program is to help prevent skin cancer by providing shade, sunblock and raising awareness of the importance of sun protection.

The two melanoma charities and new sponsor Shoppers Drug Mart are covering all costs. The charities will maintain and stock the dispensers across Toronto, while the City provides administrative support and access to the sites.

The #BeSunSafe sunscreen program was piloted in Toronto parks in 2017 and was expanded in 2018 and 2019, protecting more than 250,000 Torontonians. The sunscreen program was suspended in 2020 due to uncertainty in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, in 2020, the foundations and Shoppers Drug Mart donated 100 #BeSunSafe shade tents to the City to support Community Recreation camp programs. An additional 25 shade tents for Community Recreation purposes will be donated to the City in 2021. The #BeSunSafe program is the recipient of the 2018 and 2019 Canadian Dermatology Association’s Public Education Award.

More information about the #BeSunSafe program, information about skin cancer, sun safety tips and a map showing the location of the dispensers is available at besunsafe.ca.

The David Cornfield Melanoma Fund is a Canadian charity that saves lives from melanoma by raising awareness, promoting prevention and supporting research. More information is available at dcmf.ca.

The Douglas Wright Foundation is devoted to fighting melanoma in Canada by increasing awareness, educating the public about early detection and preventive measures, and fostering partnerships between like-minded organizations. More information can be found at douglaswrightfoundation.com.

Quotes:

“I’m delighted that the City of Toronto, the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund and the Douglas Wright Foundation are collaborating once again to bring residents free sunscreen through the #BeSunSafe program. Toronto is a great place to live, work and play during the summer months and we want to ensure everyone who spends time outside is using sun protection so that they can safely enjoy all that the city has to offer, including our parks, trails and outdoor swimming pools.”

– Mayor John Tory

“The waterfront is a wonderful place in the city that residents and visitors alike can enjoy all summer long. I’m pleased that the City and our partners have made the #BeSunSafe program possible in 2021, so that more waterfront visitors can enjoy the sun safely.”

– Councillor Joe Cressy (Spadina-Fort York), Chair of the Board of Health

“Protecting and promoting good health is important all year, especially during summer months. Applying sunscreen regularly, wearing sunglasses and seeking shade while spending time outdoors are all great ways to stay sun-safe this summer. This #BeSunSafe program promotes positive health for residents and visitors, and I encourage everyone to enjoy the summer activities that the City has to offer, while taking simple steps to protect themselves and reduce the risk of skin damage.”

– Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health

“Although preventable, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada. Protecting your skin in the sun is the best way to reduce your risk of skin cancer. As outdoor time has increased during the pandemic, enjoying summer weather safely is more important than ever. We are proud to empower Torontonians to be sun safe through awareness, sunscreen and shade.”

– Danielle Paterson, Executive Director of the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund and representative for the Douglas Wright Foundation

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media Relations
City of Toronto
Danielle Paterson
David Cornfield Melanoma Fund
647-393-3263