Sunshades for outdoor events

Outdoor events in the sunny Mackenzie Country will now be able to provide some shade thanks to the Cancer Society's Twizel Volunteer Support group.

The group has bought two portable 9sq m sunshades which it will make available to community-based groups running outdoor events.

The sunshades, from local importer Graeme Thompson, were bought with a $3000 grant from Meridian Energy's Waitaki community fund.

Health promoter for the South Canterbury branch of the Cancer Society, Kate McFarlane, said the new sunshades would benefit the whole Mackenzie area.

‘‘Adequate shade provision is a critical component for protection from the sun. It is just as important as wearing hats, protective clothing and sunscreen. The sun is particularly harsh in the Mackenzie area so it is fantastic that funding has been secured to purchase the sunshades,'' she said.

Funding for the sunshades was obtained through a variety of grants, with Meridian the major contributor and contributions from the Cancer Society's equipment grant fund and the Twizel Volunteer Support group.

Meridian's external relations adviser, Claire Shaw, said the company was delighted to be able to support the initiative.

‘‘Sun safety is a very important issue in New Zealand. It is great that people can get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine but it is vital that everything is done to ensure that adequate protection is provided at community events,'' she said.

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