Read USA Today’s article on shade: Shade: A weapon against skin cancer, childhood obesity

SHADE Foundation is committed to preventing skin cancer by protecting children and communities from dangerous ultra violet radiation.  SHADE has provided over 150 schools and organizations with the means to shade their communities which has resulted in over 10 million hours of shade, protecting tens of thousands of people.

During the past ten years, SHADE Foundation has made possible 155 shade structures to schools, community parks and other non-profit institutions. SHADE Foundation has provided well over 100 million hours of shade through this program, based on two hours a day of use during the school year over ten years.

This amazing program is expensive however, and we rely on partnerships from shade cover companies, major sponsors, and caring donors to make this happen.  An average 10 X 20 shade cover ranges in cost from $12,000 to $20,000.  But whether it is for a public park or a school playground, the cost is small in comparison to the lives that can be saved through this program. 

One in five children will grow up to be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer and it is imperative to provide a safe environment for them to play outside.  SHADE Foundation is motivated by recent movements to get kids outside and exercising!  Let’s make our children safe while they are outdoors by teaching them sun safety education and providing skin cancer prevention.

Shade covers over children play areas is an important first line defense for preventing skin cancer.  The Center for Disease Control recommends shade cover planning for all schools as an important tool for preventing skin cancer.   If you are interested in how to plan shade for your school, view this great PDF from the CDC, “Shade Planning For America’s Schools”.

For our most recent shade grant program in 2010, five communities were selected through an essay contest sponsored by Neutrogena.  The topic of the essay was why they would like a shade cover to “sun-proof their community”.  Four schools and one community park were selected as the recipients of shade covers from the many entries received.  From Massachusetts to California and in states in between, shade is being recognized as more of a necessity and these five terrific communities demonstrated their desire to sun-proof their communities. Thank you to Neutrogena and caring citizens for making this program possible!

• Vista Verde K – 8 School, Irvine, CA
• Bennet – Hemenway Elementary School, Natick, MA
• Imagine Elementary School, Avondale, AZ
• Sprague Elementary School, Wellesley, MA
• Goodwill Park Playground, Holliston, MA

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