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BC Cancer Foundation and Vancouver Police Department launch Prevention Umbrellas - for sale across B.C.
Umbrellas to remind public to protect themselves - from the elements, from pedestrian accidents and from cancer
April 5, 2007, Vancouver, B.C - Mary McNeil, president and CEO, BC Cancer Foundation and Jamie Graham, chief constable, Vancouver Police Department, launched the bright blue and white Prevention umbrella this morning as a joint initiative of the BC Cancer Foundation and the Vancouver Police Department. The Prevention umbrellas bear the insignias of both organizations as a reminder to British Columbians to protect themselves—from rain, from pedestrian accidents, and from cancer.
Prevention umbrellas are available for $19.99 at all 38 London Drugs stores throughout B.C. until June 24 and online at www.bccancerfoundation.com/giftshop with proceeds going to the BC Cancer Foundation to support cancer prevention programs at the BC Cancer Agency.
“Prevention saves lives, whether you’re talking about pedestrian accidents or cancer,” said McNeil. “There are simple things you can do to protect your health and safety. Carry a bright umbrella when you’re out walking, so drivers can see you on a rainy day. Maintain a healthy weight, eat well, stay fit, avoid the sun and don’t smoke, to reduce your risk of developing cancer.”
The BC Cancer Agency estimates that more than 50 per cent of cancers are preventable through lifestyle choices. Although B.C. has the lowest cancer incidence and mortality rates in Canada, an estimated 20,000 British Columbians were diagnosed with cancer in 2006.
“We’re proud to be partnering with the BC Cancer Foundation on this important prevention initiative,” said Graham. There were 185 pedestrian accidents and 19 pedestrian fatalities in the City of Vancouver in 2005. The majority of those fatalities were pedestrians over the age of 55. In response, the Vancouver Police Department Traffic Section developed the Be Safe and Be Seen awareness campaign specifically for senior citizens. It emphasises the importance of being visible to drivers. In 2006, the number of pedestrian accidents was reduced by over 50 per cent and the number of fatalities dropped to 11.
“That’s still too many,” Graham said. “Every preventable death is a tragedy and most pedestrian accidents are preventable. That’s why we want to remind pedestrians to stay visible, stay alert, obey traffic signals, and make eye contact with drivers—it could save their life. The prevention umbrellas are designed to help make pedestrians more visible, so we urge you to buy one today and also support the BC Cancer Foundation.”
Established in 1935, the BC Cancer Foundation raises funds for research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency throughout B.C. The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, provides a cancer control program for everyone in British Columbia.
For information on supporting cancer research and care at the BC Cancer Agency through the BC Cancer Foundation visit: www.bccancerfoundation.com or call toll free: 1-888-906-2873. For more information about the Vancouver Police Department’s pedestrian safety programs visit www.vpd.ca/operations/traffic.
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Media contacts:
Penny Noble, APR, Sr. Director, public affairs, BC Cancer Foundation Tel: 604-707-5902 Cell: 604-805-5637
Judy Hamill, Communications Officer, BC Cancer Foundation Tel: 604-707-5934 Cell: 604-802-6984
Constable Tim Fanning, Vancouver Police Department Tel: 604-717-3679 Pager: 604-806-1614
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