Media Release

For Immediate Release

Red Umbrella Vigil at Parliament at Noon Today

Wednesday, May 23, 2007 – A group of Wellington natural health advocates gather at Parliament grounds today from noon to 2pm for a second Red Umbrella Vigil to protest the proposed Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill.

They include Phil Findlay, who has given up a smoking and alcohol habit he has had since he was aged 11 and 12 by regularly consuming a natural health drink he fears will go off the shelf if the bill is introduced.

Another protester is MS sufferer, Steve Holloway, who says by taking a drink containing organically grown sprouts, grasses and vegetables he has arrested such symptoms of the disease as body numbness, severe stumbling, urinary problems and difficulty speaking. ‘Two of the grass ingredients are banned in Australia and if we follow the Australian regulatory system we won’t even be able to bring this amazing food into New Zealand.”

They will be carrying red umbrellas rain or shine in honour of a group of Canadian women who launched a similar consumer health awareness campaign in 2003. (For more information on this campaign visit www.theredumbrellas.com)

Red Umbrella Vigil Details:
Tuesday, May 23
Parliament Grounds, Wellington
12-2pm

ENDS

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