Buddies vs baddies

To further ensure the safety of children, ADT gave a free educational talk at Cherry Park.
ADT realises the importance of equipping children with safety knowledge and, therefore, together with the Randpark Residents Association asked ‘Mr ADT’ entertainer, Darin McDowall to educate the children with an exciting and informative show.
The 45-minute Baddies and Buddies show on 5 November focused on topics such as bullying, home robberies, house and personal safety, how to get help and stranger danger.
“ADT is responsible for the security in the closed community around Cherry Park and we strive to make it a safe community where children can play in the streets again. Although we have had a crime-free streak for a few months now, we feel it is important to use the puppet and magic show as a fun way to empower our children,” said Linda Reeder, community development manager.
McDowall started the show with a magic trick using coloured circles to mimic a traffic light and spoke on road safety. He then gave safety advice in the home with warnings to children to ask their parents about items they wish to eat or drink, even if they are in a familiar-looking container that usually contains sweets.
Other advice included not to play with an iron, kettle, stove, plugs or to overload a plug point. Warnings were also given against playing with fire and approaching strays or even a neighbour’s dog.
McDowall used characters, such as ‘Gary the gun’ and ‘Po the Kung Fu Panda’, to advise children to stay away from guns and knives, and who to call on what number. The children were also taught to use panic buttons in their houses and never to approach a criminal.
Mr ADT is also available to give safety talks at schools and other functions at no cost. Contact Linda Rheeder for more information on 063 690 2547 or mreeder.za@adt.co.za