Our world is changing more dramatically now than ever before, and with it come many influences in our behavior, which in turn affects all aspects of our society. With the depletion of the ozone layer, outdoor play for children has become more risky, as overexposure to the sun increases the risk of skin cancer. Shade4Schools Inc., www.shade4schools.com, has responded to this situation by offering a strategic fundraising program that enables schools to raise funds directly for the purpose of purchasing shade structures. Shade structures protect children from harsh uv rays of the sun, allowing children a safe cool environment while at play outdoors.
Targeted fundraising - To make fundraisers more interesting, schools could try and create the fundraiser around the intended purchase or use of funds. As in the case of the fundraiser offered by Shade4Schools, where the program is tailored on a donation based program which has a shorter timeline as funds are raised exclusively 100% directed to the purchase of the shade structure. Fundraising kits are available at www.shade4schools.com.
Cause Fundraising - Another good fundraiser could be centered around a specific cause, e.g. raising funds for the refurbishment of a run down dog shelter.
Environmental Fundraising - Tree planting with volunteer support based fundraising helps to raise awareness on conservation and environmental needs.
School trips Fundraising - Field trip fundraising can be made more interesting by centering the fundraiser on graphical maps and images of the destination, raising funds one mile at a time.
Healthy Fundraising - Cookie dough fundraisers always a popular item, can be altered to include a healthy cookie alternative by using oatmeal. Offering healthy cookies will increase parental support as they prefer the healthier alternative snack for their children.
Personal mementos - Fundraisers centered around mementos capturing memorable art made by children are another interesting form of fundraising.
Corporate fundraising - More companies today are seeking ways to get involved in community driven projects to give back to their communities. Shade4Schools fundraiser has a corporate sponsorship kit that enables schools to approach corporations to donate funds for shade structures, with the option of the company’s embossed logo on top for publicity purposes.
LETS’ TALK ABOUT SHADE!
Not all shade is created equal, there are many options available today dependant on your needs, however, the question begs a discussion on various technical fabrics, and in particular, pvc, canvas and polyethylene?
Traditional building construction methods of sun protection began with thatched roofs, progressed to wood, steel, pvc, canvas and more recently Shade netting in the form of shade structures has been introduced to the landscape. Shade Structures were first introduced to the United States in the mid 1990’s, and now in its second decadal presence is proving its strength and durability as market acceptance continues to grow and take root. Shade4Schools Shade Structures are designed in various forms and shapes of shade structures using uv stabilized polyethylene, resulting in a preferred range of standard sizes that meet the needs of a cross section of markets.
In this article we will examine the differences of canvas, polyethylene, and pvc and what makes these materials like chalk and cheese, and how they behave in the elements.
The biggest difference between polyethylene and canvas is in its chemical composition, canvas being a natural fiber performs differently in that being natural it attracts bacteria and is therefore more prone to mold, mildew, rot and fading. Polyethylene on the other hand is synthetic and is manufactured from high density uv stabilized polyethylene; the uv additives are included in the extrusion process in manufacture further adding to its durability. Polyethylene does not absorb moisture further enhances its resistance to wear.
And what of its design capabilities? Unlike cotton, polyethylene has high resiliency and excellent elastic properties, through a process called ‘stentoring’ it is set against unraveling and allows the fabric to retain its original tautness. The weight advantage, i.e. low specific gravity, gives Architect an extra design appeal due to the weight advantage, making it lighter for the steel structure while being superior in strength to other heavier fabrics.
And what of the nature of PVC? While this may be favored on projects that require waterproofing, it poses design challenges in that it has high weight considerations being 2-4 times the weight of steel, which affect the engineering process. This means that due to the weight the steel structure requires heavier steel thus increasing the price of the structure. To find out more about what shade application would best suit your school contact us at info@shade4schools.com.
Whether natural shade or built shade, the best in sun protection is protection from harsh uv rays of the sun. Especially when it comes to toddlers and those children in day care programs. These little ones in their innocence get burnt from the harsh sun, and the most vulnerable victims of all. Another issue with day care centers is that Care Givers are unable to apply sunscreen, thus leaving their little arms and legs exposed. It is our responsibilty as the adults in our communities to do our best to provide the shade needed in playgrounds. Fortunately, the trend of sun protection is here, and there is more and more shade provision found today across the country. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-sunscreen18forumnbsep18,0,1614758.story