Ford provides lockdown entertainment
Amidst the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, we have just entered our second week under a government-enforced national lockdown.
Ford South Africa won’t be producing any Ranger or Everest models or engines locally for the time being, but it has released a free kids Activity book that parents can print out for their children to complete during this period of social isolation.
The brand claims that it has provided this free entertainment to help encourage people to stay at home during this time, and even provided some insight from a medical practitioner that works for the company.
“Staying home saves lives; it’s the only chance we have of flattening the curve,” says Dr Herina Grobler, Occupational Medical Practitioner – Life EHS, who runs the on-site medical centre at Ford’s inland plant. “And whilst taking care of our physical health in self-isolation is important, we need to take care of our mental health too. You cannot have one without the other. They work hand in hand.”
“Regardless of what your family unit looks like, sustained periods of social isolation, restricted movement, and confinement are bound to be challenging,” she continues. “Now, more than ever, we need to take extra care of ourselves, and one another, as we try and adapt to this so-called ‘new normal. ”
“For families stuck indoors with small children during this time, it can be particularly trying, and even more so for those who have to carry on working from home,” she says. “That’s why Ford has launched the Family Fun Hub, with amazing ideas on how to keep your kids entertained during the stay-at-home period, so you can get some work done,” she concludes.
The activity book is provided as a PDF file, making it easy to print. Ford claims that the product has been tested by its own employees’ children. The activities include a connect-the-dots, a colouring book, spot the difference, mazes and what the brand calls a ‘Guess the Material’ quiz.
The booklet is available at the brand’s Family Fun Hub page where it has promised to share more activities for children over the coming days. The brand encourages parents to share their children’s work with them over social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with the tags @FordSouthAfrica #FordKids #StayHome