Chief Scout Peter Duncan today (31 July) unveiled a £27,000 sponsorship agreement between energy utility National Grid and the Scout Association to educate thousands of youngsters about safety in the home.
The popular actor and broadcaster thrilled viewers with his daredevil exploits in BBC1’s ‘Blue Peter’ and ‘Duncan Dares’ but today he turned the spotlight firmly on safety as he announced that National Grid would be sponsoring the Cub Scout Home Safety Badge for two years. The announcement follows National Grid’s highly successful one-year pilot sponsorship of the badge last year.
The big-hearted star took time out between performances of ‘Robin Hood’ at Nottingham’s Royal Centre, to announce the joint National Grid and Scouting Association initiative in the shadow of Nottingham Castle. He was joined by Scout leaders within National Grid, who have received funding from the company’s Employee Community Grants for their Cub Scout packs.
While on stage Mr Duncan is relishing his role as the greedy Sheriff of Nottingham, heaping up stacks of gold by taxing the poor to the hilt, off stage he was quick to praise the innovative partnership between National Grid and the Scouting Association and the investment being made by National Grid in teaching children early on how to make their homes safer.
To achieve the badge, youngsters will learn about key aspects of home safety, including gas safety, how to deal with fire, preventing accidents, and how to make a 999 call.
Peter Duncan said: “It’s really good news for the Scout Association to have National Grid extend its sponsorship of the Home Safety Badge and it has been great fun to meet some of the cubs who have successfully completed the badge.”
National Grid’s Executive Director Gas Distribution, Mark Fairbairn said: “National Grid is proud to be asked to continue our sponsorship of the Home Safety Badge. Safety is a key issue for us and helping youngsters become aware of the importance of safety in their home environment is a very good place to start. This is an example of our commitment to the power of action showing that everyone including children can take action to make the world around them a safer place.
“Last year 35,000 activity packs were sent out on our behalf. This is a tremendous take-up, and I hope that everyone who completed the pack found it fun to do. We hope that the momentum will continue this year.”
The National Grid Cub Scout Home Safety Badge Activity Pack can be obtained from www.scouts.org.uk/nationalgrid.
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For further media information contact Carol Lloyd, National Grid Communications on 01926 655372.