Three Crossing Guard winners chosen as Canada's Favourites

Recipients announced for Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Contest

TORONTO, June 13, 2017 /CNW/ - They've proven to go above and beyond the call of duty—three exceptional school crossing guards have been chosen as winners of the 2017 Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Contest. The recipients, who are being recognized for their extraordinary contributions to their communities, will receive their awards over the next few weeks.

Parachute, together with FedEx Express Canada, jointly launched Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Contest to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of dynamic crossing guards who help keep our children safe. The winners, who were nominated by people in their communities, make safety a priority each and every day and Parachute and FedEx Express Canada are honoured to recognize these individuals for their efforts.

"At FedEx Express Canada we put safety above all, both in the workplace and in the communities in which we operate," says Pina Starnino, VP Operations, FedEx Express Canada. "Our drivers know the importance of being extra alert around schools and pedestrian crossings since these are the most important stops they make each day."

Here are the winners of the 2017 Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Contest:

1.	DAVID INNES, ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND: For more than three years, David Innes has been a volunteer crossing guard at Rennie's River Elementary School. Students, staff and parents are inspired by his dedication even in harsh weather, including shoveling sidewalks to ensure safety.
2.	SHERYL HAURANEY, PORT HOPE, ONTARIO: Longtime crossing guard Sheryl Hauraney at Beatrice Strong Public School is a valued member of her community. She ensures speeding cars slow down, greets all students and parents by name, and volunteers at numerous school events.
3.	MONIQUE TREMBLAY, LAVAL, QUEBEC: Staff and students at Terry Fox Elementary School praise crossing guard Monique Tremblay. She makes students smile each day, teaches them to stay alert and aware, and personally salts the sidewalks to ensure safety in the winter.

Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Contest is part of Walk This Way, a pedestrian safety program aimed at reducing the number of child pedestrian injuries by raising driver awareness and making schools more walkable. To date, Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Contest has awarded 36 crossing guards nationwide.

"We are proud to recognize the contributions made by these outstanding people who commit to keep their communities safe," says Pamela Fuselli, Knowledge Transfer & Stakeholder Relations at Parachute. "Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Contest allows us to showcase the work of some of the wonderful crossing guards across the country who are committed to guiding children as they make their way to and from school every day."

About the contest:
Nominations were received from across the country and judging was conducted by a group of safety, community, and private sector leaders. Each candidate was scored in the categories of:

• evidence of support shown for the crossing guard;
• safety record of the crossing guard;
• proactive initiatives the crossing guard has taken; and
• level of involvement of the crossing guard in the community.

The winners receive a crystal maple leaf award that identifies the winner as one of Canada's Favourite Crossing Guards, and $500. As well, each school will receive $500 provided by FedEx Express Canada.

For more information on the Parachute and FedEx Express Canada Walk This Way program, and on how to help prevent pedestrian injuries visit parachutecanada.org.

About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $58 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 400,000 team members to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. To learn more about how FedEx connects people and possibilities around the world, please visit about.fedex.com.

About Parachute
Parachute is Canada's only national charity dedicated to stopping preventable injuries, which cost the economy $27B each year. Preventable injuries are the #1 killer of children. One child dies every nine hours*. We have a proven cure: education, knowledge and empowerment. Support Parachute's life-saving programs and initiatives and help create an injury-free Canada. For information, visit parachutecanada.org, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.    

* For the age group of 0-19 years

SOURCE Parachute

and to arrange an interview with the winners: Andrea Piunno, Parachute, 416-776-5134 (w), 905 999-9215 (c), [email protected]