SHADES FOR A DAY, 13TH JULY 2004

Motion Text

That this House congratulates Guide Dogs for the Blind for organising Shades for a Day, which is taking place on 13th July in England and Wales, and on days throughout the summer months in Scotland and Northern Ireland; recognises the aims of this event is to promote awareness, especially among young people, of the need to protect our eyes from ultra-violet light by wearing sunglasses; notes that most of the damage done to our eyes by the sun's ultra-violet radiation is done before we reach the age of 18, which means that making children aware of the potential risks is especially important; further notes that whilst 86 per cent. of parents questioned in a recent survey recognised the danger of the sun and the necessity of protecting their children's eyes, only 20 per cent. ensured their children wore sunglasses in reality; is pleased to see this event is part of the wider 'Healthy Eyes' campaign, also organised by Guide Dogs for the Blind, held in June this year; and congratulates all of those taking part in the event, expected to number over 1200, who are raising money and generating awareness for this very important cause.