The Australian Education Reporter
Greenline sets 100K target
AUSTRALIA has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with melanoma being the most common cancer affecting Australians aged between 15 and 39 years.
Intense, intermittent UV exposure leading to sunburn prior to puberty increases the risk of developing melanoma in the future.
With better shade options and better sun smarts, Australian kids can significantly reduce their risk of developing melanoma.
Partnering with Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA), Greenline has extended its fight against melanoma, launching a new school-based campaign – Shade 100K.
In a nation-wide pledge, the Greenline campaign has set a bold goal: to shade and educate 100,000 Australian school children in three years.
The campaign will see every school that invests in a Greenline shade structure receive specially designed programs designed to educate students in sun safety, the dangers of melanoma and the best methods for protection.
It also helps to raise awareness of MIA and the important work it does, in the broader school community.
According to Greenline managing director Robert Wallace, it’s the least they could do.
“We wanted to do something more to ensure future generations can enjoy the outdoors without the serious bite of the Australian sun,” Mr Wallace said.
“Raising funds is vitally important, but we felt we could also make a real impact through educating about how to reduce the risks of melanoma.”
This is the second school campaign Greenline has launched since signing on as Sapphire Partners with Melanoma Institute Australia earlier this year.
In September, the Raise the Roof online fundraiser raffle first launched in schools who registered from NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
Melanoma Institute Australia chief executive Carole Renouf said it is important to educate the next generations of Australians about how to reduce their risk of melanoma.
“I congratulate Greenline on this initiative. It is vital that young Australians understand that by living a sun-smart life they can reduce their melanoma risk,” Ms Renouf said.
“This involves seeking shade in the hottest part of the day, applying and re-applying SPF 50+ sunscreen, wearing a broad-brimmed hat and covering up with long sleeves, pants and sunglasses.”
For all media inquiries, contact: Rebecca Peel, Marketing Manager, Greenline. bec.peel@greenline.com.au or 1800 044 200.
To register or find out more about the program, visit www.greenline.com.au/shade100k
For further information about skin cancer and the Melanoma Institute visit: https://www.melanoma.org.au/