Amaroo teens will be better protected from the sun thanks to funding from eftpos’ Shade for Secondary Schools program – providing sun shade at Amaroo School.
eftpos will provide funding for an additional 18 high schools across Australia, for permanent shade or a marquee to be constructed on their grounds. This brings the total funding for the Shade for Secondary Schools program to $1.25 million.
Managing Director at eftpos, Mr Bruce Mansfield, said that the company had decided to extend the program after the first round of grants proved to be overwhelming popular and continued to align with the company’s ethos of helping with the everyday.
“We initially provided 45 schools with shade grants, helping protect 28,000 children,” Mr Mansfield said.
“We are delighted to be able to offer further funding to schools who missed out in the first round of grants.
“At eftpos we consider ourselves to be the everyday helper and that couldn’t be truer when it comes to helping to protect our kids from the potentially damaging Australian sun.
“We are proud to be Australian and along with that comes a responsibility for educating people how to be safe in our climate.”
Cancer Council’s National Sun Survey found 61 per cent of Aussie teens spent time out in the open during peak UV on weekends, increasing their risk of skin cancer.
Cancer Council ACT spokesperson David Wild said helping teenagers to be SunSmart – on weekends and at school – was vital.
“Our skin is like a memory bank and remembers all the damage it has received over the years. Once the damage is done, it can’t be undone and much of the sun damage to our skin that causes skin cancers in later life occurs in during our teenage years,” said Mr Wild
“By generously funding more shade structures in secondary schools, eftpos is helping to reduce the overall amount of excess UV exposure teenagers receive. Initiatives like this also teach teenagers about preventing skin cancer – ultimately helping them reduce their risk” Mr Wild said.
“Whether accidental or intentional, unprotected exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of skin damage and cancer.
“We’re urging all secondary school students to reduce their risk of skin cancer by following all five sun protective recommendations.
“Slip on protective clothing, Slop on minimum SPF30 broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, Slap on a broad-brimmed hat, Seek shade and Slide on wrap-around sunnies when out and about this summer,” said Mr Wild.
Amaroo School Principal Gai Becher said the shade grant would greatly benefit the school’s 600 plus year 7-10 students.
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