Blue Light kits help teach youngsters how to keep safe

It’s important for kids to know how to stay safe and a friendly puppet dog named Bobby has been teaching them how to do it.

Senior Constable Bryan Ward came up with the idea in 2005 and he and Bobby travelled New Zealand talking to school children and promoting messages such as how to deal with bullies and how to use the internet safely. They filmed 76 television episodes over three seasons and were named ambassadors for Blue Light Ventures, a police initiative that aims to build a positive relationship with young Kiwis to reduce crime and help the youngsters reach their potential.

Blue Light spokeswoman Wendy Robertson said they plan to use the $10,000 grant from Auckland Airport to offer educational kits to kids aged 3 to 6 in the South Auckland region.

“We have put together activity books and educational kits that teachers can use in class.

“Each kid will get a copy of a DVD with the shows on it and the activity books as well.”

Operating in New Zealand since 1984, the charity has about 20 full-time staff.

Auckland Airport general manager of people and safety Anna CasselsBrown said, “We directly employ over 50 young Aucklanders every summer to help customers through our travel peak and we love what Blue Light Ventures are doing to help young people stay safe and reach their potential.”

Robertson said the amazing for Blue Light.

“It means we can do work in South Auckland schools that we’d not normally be able to do.” grant was