TORONTO, May 22, 2012 /CNW/ - This May, people of all ages across Canada are showing their "Shades of Fun" for CNIB's Vision Health Month. Now in its third year, Shades of Fun is a one-of-a-kind, fun-filled CNIB event that's all about having a good time for a great cause!
"Thousands of Canadians from coast to coast are participating in Shades of Fun by wearing their shades, raising awareness about UV damage and raising funds for CNIB's vital services for Canadians who are blind or partially sighted," says Steve Lutz, vice president of fund development at CNIB.
In anticipation of Shades of Fun Day - happening May 24 - CNIB is putting out a nationwide call to action: asking all Canadians to take part by fundraising for the rest of the month; getting their family, friends and co-workers involved too; and joining CNIB in celebrating on May 24, the official day for Canadians from coast to coast to don their best sunglasses, protect their eyes from UV rays and show the whole country their shades of fun!
According to CNIB, few Canadians know the dangers that UV rays from the sun can pose to their eyes and their vision health. In fact, a recent CNIB study shows that half of all Canadians don't realize they should wear sunglasses in the shade. But without protection, UV rays can damage your eyes and lead to permanent vision loss.
CNIB recommends choosing sunglasses with at least 99 per cent protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
"The best line of defense against UV damage is prevention. Wear quality, UV-protected sunglasses year-round, even on cloudy days," said Lutz. "Shades of Fun is all about spreading that critical message across Canada."
Funds raised through Shades of Fun will help CNIB reduce avoidable sight loss in Canada and provide community-based programs across the country to ensure no Canadian has to face the challenges of sight loss alone.
There are two key ways Canadians can join in on the fun - Shades of Fun, that is!
- Visit shadesoffun.ca to learn more about how to support this exciting campaign, including fun and unique fundraising ideas for home, school and work!
- Don some virtual shades using CNIB's "Show Your Shades" app and post your newly decked out pics on Facebook and Twitter. It's easy to do and only takes a minute. So whether your pic is of yourself, your child or even your dog, visit showyourshades.ca and help CNIB raise awareness about protecting your eyes from UV rays!
CNIB is grateful for the support of its Vision Health Month partners who are making a real difference when it comes to educating Canadians about vision health. CNIB would especially like to thank the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) as National Vision Health Month Partner, Bayer and Loblaw Optical/Joe Fresh® as Proud Supporters and The Weather Network, Postmedia Network and Accessible Media Inc. as National Media Partners.
About CNIB
CNIB is a registered charity, passionately providing community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. To learn more, visit cnib.ca or call the toll-free CNIB Helpline at 1-800-563-2642.
To view or download CNIB PSAs, visit: http://eyesareforlife.ca/NewsVideo/AudioVideo
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