WARWICKSHIRE POLICE CONSTABULARY - 13TH OCTOBER 1977
Dear Sir,
Mr Safety Road Safety Show
On Wednesday last week Mr Safety (Jason Conrad) spent a day in Warwickshire and visited three schools in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon. He gave a very instructional and entertaining session on Road Safety to the whole of each school.
Police and Road Safety Officers spent a great deal of time in the instructing and assisting teachers and parents to instruct, young people on how to behave when using the public highway, and as such are always pleased to welcome into their areas people who can add some form of endorsement to the message they are trying to get across and Mr Safety gives such an endorsement.
As you are no doubt aware the accident rate on the roads in this country involving young people is high and I feel can only be reduced by intensive instruction. The sessions of instruction given by Mr Safety are novel and I feel where children are concerned, absorbing. They are different from Police and Road Safety personnel instruction as they are done in an entertaining way by a professional presenter.
I am sure advice given to children in this manner is much more readily assimilated and I should like to commend the support being given to Mr Safety in promoting what can only be for the good of the youngsters who are fortunate enough to see him.
Yours sincerely,
John W. Pilbeam, Sgt.,
Accident Prevention
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BURNCROSS JUNIOR AND INFANTS SCHOOL, SHEFFIELD - 29TH JANUARY 1982
Dear Sir,
Yesterday, Mr. Jason Conrad vistied the school in the guise of 'Mr. Safety Man'. He had been recommended by our local road safety officer, Mr. Bedford.
I did not know what to expect but had faith in Mr. Bedford's judgment.
I was pleasantly impressed by an outstanding performance by Mr. Conrad. I am sure that his efforts had more impact upon the children regarding safety than anything I have seen in my career.
The children were totally absorbed, his message was clear and yet it was put over in such a friendly and entertaining way.
I understand he and his assistant are sponsored by you. It is good to know that you consider such a matter important. In these times of financial difficulty it must be a drain on your resources. However, it is a worthwhile project and you have the knowledge that children are being educated and perhaps lives saved by his work.
Congratulations on your enlightened sponsorship.
Yours sincerely,
Kirby Shaw
Headmaster
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HOUSE OF COMMONS, LONDON - 6TH DECEMBER 1984
Dear Jason,
I was delighted to hear that you to start giving road safety 'lessons' again.
I was very sorry indeed when you lost all your visual aid equipment in the fire. It must have been heart-breaking to see all your home, equipment and records go up in flames.
I am very glad I was able to see one of your presentations. I found it fascinating to see the way the children responded to the vital information you were giving them; it was obvious that you were able to hold their attention and I wish I could have the same power over all the audiences I address!
I wish you well in starting up again. I am sure that once it is known you are available the requests for "lessons" will come in fast.
Yours sincerely
Matthew Parris M.P.
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CANCER RESEARCH CAMPAIGN - 10TH JULY 1986
Dear Jason,
I would like to give you my warmest thanks and appreciation for your support in helping to make the Bike Ride and Jazz Festival such an outstanding success. Obviously the weather was extremely kind and the general over all growth since last year was very rewarding.
Needless to say, I hope we go from strength to strength and that you would like to join us again in 1987.
Sponsorship money takes a long time to come in and we don't know the full result for about five months.
We will be writing again in the winter informing you of our plans for next year.
Thank you again.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Heyland
Youth Action Promoter
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BARRY ISLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL - 9TH OCTOBER 1986
Dear Mr. Safety,
On behalf of the children and staff of Barry Island Primary School, I should like to express our thanks for the wonderful show you gave the school, a week last Friday. I was most impressed with the way you captivated the interest of all the children from 4 to 11 years of age, together with the staff, how you encouraged the active participation of all the children and held their interest for the whole of the performance. If you ever wish to change your job, may I suggest that you take up teaching. It was refreshing to see your positive approach, rather than the negative one. Children are being told so often not to do things - that your approach of doing things, 'Think' is much more effective.
Children respond far better when told to do things rather than not to do things, it is was very clever the way that you got the message across. Seeing the children leaving school I can almost see 'Think' standing out on their foreheads. I feel the school was privileged to see your performance and regret that other schools were denied that privilege.
I am sorry I have not written sooner but have been waiting for the report from the local paper.
Wishing you every success in the future and hope we shall see you back in Barry. If you give us notice we shall have the choir singing some Welsh songs for you.
Sincerely,
G. R. Latham
Headmaster
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MALTBY ST. MARY'S J. M. I. SCHOOL - 3RD JULY 1987
Dear Sirs,
I am writing to you concerning Mr. Safety and hos 'Stay Alive' Show. he appeared at this school on Thursday 25th June, at 1.30pm. The children learned a great deal from his and enjoyed the show as well. It is with great pleasure, therefore, that we would like to thank you both Mr. Safety and yourselves, the sponsors, for providing such a worthwhile show. I am sure there are children alive today who might not have been but for a demonstration of this kind.
Yours faithfully,
J. Dunn
Headmaster
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VICTORIA J. & I. SCHOOL - ROTHERHAM - 6TH JULY 1987
To Whom It May Concern
Mr. Safety - 'Stay Alive' Show, Wednesday, 1st July.
I am writing in connection with the above - shown to 250 children (aged 3 to 11 years) at this school.
The show was a great success - absorbing the interest and attention of all our children for the whole hour. Particularly impressive was the natural, easy style of Mr. Safety - this gave the children confidence and enabled them to join in.
The absence of over-the-top gimmicks and sensationalism (more associated with a circus) meant that the important concept of safety was never far from the surface and the children had every opportunity, therefore, to retain facts/information relating to crossing the road, etc.
All in all, a very pleasing and worthwhile show.
M. J. Stead
Headmaster
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WHISTON JUNIOR & INFANT SCHOOL, ROTHERHAM - 8TH JULY 1987
Dear Sirs,
I write to formally express our appreciation to those concerned in the funding and promoting of the 'Stay Alive Show'. The message is an important one, which is continually emphasised by the teach staff and the L. E. A. Road Safety Department. The show helped bring home this message to the children, if we use our observations of the children's undivided attention throughout as the criteria. The initiative is a very positive one and it made a very pleasant change for it to come from outside the school and L. E. A.
Our thanks to all those concerned.
Yours faithfully,
J. R. Evans
Headmaster
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ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL - 15TH JULY 1987
Dear Sir,
Mr. Safety's Chidren's World Stay Alive Show
I wish to thank for making the above show available to Schools within the Rotherham area.
My Road Safety Staff inform me that the show was extremely well received by both staff and pupils of the thirty schools concerned and it is hoped that Mr. Safety may be able to return in the not too distant future.
A great deal of Road Safety work is always in progress within schools and the show highlighted many of the lessons taught.
I should be grateful if you would convey my sincere thanks to Mr. Conrad for his professionalism and enthusiasm in making the show both colourful, entertaining and educational.
Finally, may I conclude by enquiring if it may be possible for Mr. Conrad to present the show within the Road Safety marquee at the Rotherham Show on the weekend of 12th and 13th September, 1987.
I am sure this would prove to be a great attraction to the general public and would not only promote Road Safety but also Children's World/
I look forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully,
Director of Engineering
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ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION (FLORIDA CHAPTER / CENTRAL BRANCH) - 18TH JULY 1989
Dear Mr. Conrad:
On behalf of the Central Branch of the Arthritis Foundation I would like to thank you for your presentation, "Think Safely" at the National American Juvenile Arthritis Conference held here in Orlando on July 5th - 9th.
The conference was attended by 570 families from all over the United States who have one or more children who suffer with the nation's number one crippling disease - arthritis. This disease affects a quarter of a million children and can be devastating on a family's income, relationships and hopes for the future of their children.
The National Staff and our Central Branch Staff, Board of Directors and Volunteers very much enjoyed the opportunity to share your rapport with the children and see how they responded.
Thank you again for giving of your time and talent to help these children and their families grow up safely.
Sincerely,
Marianne McCree
Executive Director
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AMERICAN JUVENILE ARTHRITIS ORGANIZATION - ATLANTA, GEORGIA - 28TH AUGUST 1989
Dear Mr. Conrad:
We would like to thank you for your outstanding performance as "Mr. Safety" at the 1989 American Juvenile Arthritis Organization conference on July 8th. The children were captivated with your presentation and undoubtedly left with a more positive attitude toward staying safe.
We appreciate your enthusiasm and willingness to be part of our children's program. Thanks for giving to the children so much of your time and concern.
Kind wishes,
Norma Liburd
Signing for Co-Chairman
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CITY OF APOPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT - 8TH MAY 1990
Dear Mr. Conrad,
As a life-long individual concerned with the safety and well-being of children, I would like to express my sincere and warmhearted appreciation for bringing your songs and message of safety to the almost five thousand children of the Apopka area. Your sincere love and concern for the children really shined through and the children were obvious in their desire to return your enthusiasm and love. Their crowning glory was their being made Junior Safety Agents and receiving the badges and certificates. The Central Florida Safety Council bumper sticker which you gave them are showing up on autos all over town.
I wish you continued success in your endeavors to make children aware of safety issues and to make the world a more safe place in which for them to grow. Thanks again for your concern for the safety of the children of the world.
Sincerely
Thomas A. Collins
Chief of Police
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DEERWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - ORLANDO, FLORIDA - 18TH MAY 1990
Dear Mr. Walsh (Central Florida Safety Council),
On behalf of the students and teachers at Deerwood Elementary School I would like to thank the Central Florida Safety Council for providing the Mr. Safety program. This is a program that delivers a very important message in an understandable and memorable fashion - we have children walking around their classrooms singing the "Think Song". Programs such as these are greatly needed in the schools to better educate our children. It takes the care and interest of organizations such as yours that makes it better for a community.
Mr. Conrad is wonderful. His dedication and love for what he is doing comes through in all he does with the children. We had children coming t the stage area to shake his hand.
The badge, bumper sticker, and certificates were loved by all. They will serve as constant reminders to the children to "THINK". We have hung the posters around our campus to continue to remind our students of Mr. Safety.
Again, thank you for taking an interest in our children and for sponsoring such a wonderful program.
Sincerely,
Ann Conley
Curriculum Resource Teacher
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CHEROKEE SCHOOL - ORLANDO, FLORIDA - 18TH DECEMBER 1990
Dear sir:
Cherokee School is an exceptional education school for children with behavioral and learning problems. Recently Jason Conrad visited our center and presented the Mr. Safety show to teach our youngsters about being safe at home and in the community.
Our students are not an easy group to reach, but Mr. Safety had them involved and participating. Most importantly, it is apparent from the students' comment that they understood Mr. Safety's message about safe steps to take with water, fire, traffic, drugs and strangers.
Thank you for your assistance in providing this very useful program to remind our children of safe practices. They enjoyed receiving the stickers and certificates and meeting Mr. Safety. Thanks!
Sincerely
Michael McKean
Assistant Principle
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UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA - 24TH MAY 1990
Dr. Mr. Walsh (Central Florida Safety Council):
I just want to compliment a representative of your department, Mr. Jason Conrad, (Mr. Safety) on his talk to my class this past week.
I teach a class of future elementary classroom teachers and asked Jason to speak on safety as a need of the children in the schools in the state of Florida. He accepted the offer and spoke to the class of 40-plus. He did a super job of giving out information on codes and presentations to the elementary schools in this area.
It certainly is a need and necessity that we pass on information vital to classroom teachers about safety and what needs to be taught in the classroom as well as in the community.
I do appreciate Jason's enthusiasm about the safety program and trust that he will again have the occasion to have him represent your council here at the University of Central Florida. The response from our future teachers was excellent and again, my compliments to your staff.
Sincerely,
Ken Renner
Assistant Professor, College of Education
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ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS - JANUARY 22ND 1991
To Whom It May Concern,
For the past two years, Mr. Jason Conrad has been a Community Resource Volunteer in the Orange County Public Schools, talking to students in all grade levels about the importance of safety.
Jason's presentations are highly respected by teachers and staff, and a favorite of the students. His presentations are invaluable, and countless students have benefited from knowledge and willingness to share. We look forward from year to year to once again be able to schedule his presentations in our schools. We appreciate so much the positive impact that Jason Conrad, "Mr. Safety" has had on our students.
Jason Conrad has been quite an asset to the Community Resource Volunteers program of Orange County Public Schools. Through his efforts, many children have learned invaluable lessons on safety.
Sincerely,
Betty Lowery
Acting Specialist
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ALTERNATIVE HUMAN SERVICES, INC. - JANUARY 1991
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
The Child Safety Center of Alternative Human Services had the pleasure of working closely with Jason Conrad, England's "Mr. Safety" on public awareness campaigns geared towards educating parents and children about safety issues.
Jason has certainly brought to us his special sense of warmth, energy, and talent. He has an excellent understanding of children and how to positively engage them in the learning process. They immediately sense his great depth of compassion and yet understand the importance of his message.
Jason's involvement as a spokesman for "safety education" would certainly enhance and raise the level of anyone's effort to positively impact a public awareness event or an on-going campaign.
We strongly believe that public education, especially regarding children's issues, must be designed as a consistent comprehensive approach in order for children to realize the maximum benefit of growing up healthy. Having people like Jason who are willing to share their talents, helps to work towards realizing that goal.
Obviously the children in England have significantly benefited from the ongoing priority of teaching them important skills on how to exercise good judgment. We plan on continuing to utilize Jason's wonderful talents here and would strongly recommend others to seriously consider helping him to have the opportunity of developing a comprehensive safety program for the children of Florida.
Sincerely,
Michael T. Stone
Program Manager - The Child Safety Center
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CITY OF ORLANDO FIRE DEPARTMENT - 25TH JANUARY 1991
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
As a "Fire Safety Educator", I understand the problems involved in teaching children safety concepts. Along with the necessary objectives must come a sense of caring and compassion as well as a sense of humor. To take a potentially boring subject, especially for children, and turn it into a fun activity and enjoy presenting it to children takes a truly special person.
Jason Conrad, alias "Mr. Safety", I feel possesses these characteristics. Having observed a presentation to a group of children this summer, he held their attention and had them involved in his presentation. The children appeared to comprehend and accept the information (questioning the children after the presentation constituted and informal post test).
I feel Jason's concern and feeling for the children as well as his "Codes of Safety" for teaching safety, makes him a valuable ally in the Safety Education Field.
Lt. Gary L. Woodard
Fire Safety Education Officer - Fire Safety Management Division
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CITY OF ORLANDO MAYORS OFFICE - JANUARY 1991
G R E E T I N G S . . .
On behalf of the City of Orlando I want to extend our warm wishes to all those who participated in the "Mr. Safety and Sea World Poster Contest."
It is disappointing that I am unable to be with you today, but I want to take this opportunity to extend congratulations to the winners of the contest and to the Board member of the Children's Safety Foundation for their diligent work in our community.
Again, best wishes for a wonderful event.
Sincerely
Glenda E. Hood
Mayor
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BUCKINGHAM PALACE - 2ND DECEMBER 1991
Dear Mr. Conrad,
I am commanded by the Queen to thank you for your letter of 28th October enclosing information on your work in trying to make children more aware of road safety. Her Majesty appreciated your thoughtfulness in writing as you did and in sending her the special plaque which you have commissioned. The Queen sends you her best wishes for the continuation of your Child Safety Campaign.
Yours sincerely,
Kenneth Scott
Buckingham Palace
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PRINCETON HOSPITAL - ORLANDO, FLORIDA - 26TH MAY 1992
Dear Jason:
Compliments are still coming in regarding the Good Health Day for Moms & Kids...and you are a key reason why. Your support and participation created and event that educated and entertained children and parents alike.
Together we helped raised community awareness as to the importance of health and safety for children of all ages. We hope you'll take great pride in the fact...we do.
Sincerely,
Cathy Gillespie
Good Health Day for Moms & Kids Coordinator
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COMMUNITY COORDINATED CHILD CARE FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC. - 8TH JUNE 1992
Dear Mr. Conrad,
On behalf of Community Coordinated Child Care for Central Florida, Inc., Florida Power Corporation and the hundreds of families with young children in our community, I wish to thank you for your generous support of the 1992 Children's Festival.
The overwhelming success of the festival, was due in part, to your enthusiastic performance, which delighted the crowd! There was an estimated crown of 25,000 who took part in the day's activities.
We hope that you will plan to join us next year, on Saturday, May 15, 1992, as we work together to enhance the lives of young children in the Central Florida area.
Again, thank you for adding your special touch to the festival.
Sincerely,
Deborah A. Bourbonnais
4C Information and Referral Coordinator
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CITY OF ORLANDO - 19TH NOVEMBER 1993
Dear Mr. Safety:
Thank you for the recent update on the Children's Safety Foundation and your continuation of "Teaching Children To Think - To Stay Alive." Congratulations on your presentation to the many schools in the Orange County School District.
It is my sincere hope that you can identify sponsorship that will enable you to continue the valuable work with the children of our community. There IS nothing more precious than the life of a child, and I encourage you to continue to pursue teaching the lesson in staying alive to the future leaders of our city, state and nation.
I am pleased to reaffirm my support of your program, and to wish for you many new safety special agents.
Sincerely,
Glenda E. Hood
Mayor
"The retention value of the Mr Safety Shows is vastly higher than any other method. There is no doubt that Mr Safety is saving lives and reducing accidents."
James Tye - Director General - British Safety Council
