On Your Marks, Get Set...Brush

On Your Marks, Get Set...Brush!

Thousands of New Zealand primary and intermediate school children are gearing up for the Colgate Carton Race, which kicks-off nationwide this week, in the hope of winning a share of $60,000.00 worth of sports equipment and prizes for their school.

The object of the Race is for schools to collect as many empty Colgate toothpaste cartons as possible between March 28 and June 30. The top five schools that collect the most cartons per pupil will receive $10,000 worth of sporting equipment each – so brush up and get behind your local school.

The initiative is part of an awareness campaign to promote the importance of healthy lifestyles while encouraging children to get brushing.

Oral healthcare continues to be of concern to New Zealand children. This was highlighted by the most recent New Zealand Oral Health Survey, a national study, which shows nearly half of all New Zealand children (aged 2-17) will have a tooth cavity before they reach adulthood. (Our Oral Health: Key findings of the 2009 New Zealand Oral Health Survey, Ministry of Health 2009)

Colgate has been investing in oral healthcare education for over 13 years, taking a lead role in initiatives like the ‘Bright Smiles Bright Futures’ school education programme.

As part of the Awesome Colgate Carton Race, schools will have access to posters and age-appropriate educational materials, designed to help teach good oral health habits from a young age.

Rebecca Schipper, Colgate Scientific Affairs Manager, says it is critical for oral health education to start early so that great brushing habits can be established.

“So many kids only brush their teeth once a day. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, can mean 20-30% fewer cavities. That’s pretty significant. And it only takes a small amount of toothpaste. Starting young gives kids a better chance to have healthy teeth for life,” Schipper says.

“It’s not always easy to get children to brush their teeth, so the Colgate Carton Race provides a fun and interactive way to focus on good oral health. The great thing about this race is that parents and schools will be working together to enthusiastically engage young brushers”.

With spot prizes each week and thousands of dollars worth of sports equipment up for grabs, there has never been a better time to collect your Colgate toothpaste cartons and take them down to your local school. All Colgate toothpaste branded cartons are eligible for the race.

Schools of all sizes have an equal opportunity to win, with the winning schools that collect the most Colgate toothpaste cartons per pupil announced on July 1, 2011.

For more information on the Awesome Colgate Carton Race, visit www.colgatecartonrace.co.nz. For a list a full list of all participating schools and how your school can take part, please contact Sarah Buchanan.

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