The Random Acts of Pancakes initiative is hitting Christchurch this week, with the first random act scheduled to be at 5pm and the last at 8pm when the UCSA Toga Party gets underway on Thursday (19 February 2015)! The project is again being organised by Red Frogs, La Vida and the UCSA with support from the Neighbourhood Police Teams in Christchurch.
Parties will be randomly selected from the Good One website www.goodone.org.nz by the organisers and students are encouraged to register their party early to be in the chance of a visit from the Random Acts of Pancakes team. This is the second Red Frogs event to be held in Christchurch which aims to reduce problems associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
Canterbury Police Alcohol Harm Reduction Manager, Senior Sergeant Gordon Spite, said “In New Zealand around a third of all recorded offences are committed after the offender has consumed alcohol. There is also a risk that when people overdo the alcohol they make poor decisions and end up becoming offenders or victims of crime or crashes. Other than moderating your consumption of alcohol, drinking water and eating food regularly are the two most effective ways of controlling the effects of alcohol.”
Red Frogs aims to establish a positive culture around partying by providing on-the-ground support at parties and events. Last weekend, under the name Red Crew, members of the team distributed water to the crowds at the ICC Cricket World Cup match at Hagley Oval and directed fans to the hydration stations that had been set up. Red Frogs also provides Training and Education both with High School Students, Sporting teams and University Teams around how to have a positive influence and set a healthy Party Culture and atmosphere.
Officer in Charge of Riccarton Neighbourhood Policing Team, Sergeant Stephen Jones, said “The Good One website was established as a direct result of the work of Canterbury Police’s Neighbourhood Police Team in Riccarton and discussions with ACC, CDHB, HPA, Canterbury and Lincoln Universities and their Student Associations. This initiative provides a great opportunity for Police to work with students and the local community to prevent problems before they occur so everyone can socialise in a safe, responsible manner.”
Some simple tips from Canterbury Police for safe O-week celebrations:
• Register your party on the Good One website www.goodone.org.nz
• Plan your night out ahead of time. Have a plan for how you're going to get home, before you go out.
• Arrange safe transport to and from your location, whether it's a sober driver, taxi, bus or dial-a-driver.
• Look out for your mates and make sure they stay safe.
• Don’t drink to excess – drink water and eat food at regular intervals.
Media – we will arrange some opportunities for you attend and interview the Red Frogs/Neighbourhood Police Teams during the Random Acts of Pancakes on Thursday – please register your interest by texting the Canterbury Police District Communications Manager on 021 942 404.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404