Three Crossing Guards Take Home Top Honours in National Contest

FedEx Express Canada and Safe Kids Canada Announce Winners of "Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Contest"

TORONTO, Dec. 20 /CNW/ - Federal Express Canada Ltd. ("FedEx Express Canada"), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), and Safe Kids Canada announced today the winners of Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Contest.

Doris Hisco of Winnipeg, MB; Jack Arsenault of Charlottetown, PEI; and, Mary Johnson of Scarborough, ON, have given a combined 53 years of crossing guard service to their communities.

"Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Contest is a way for FedEx and Safe Kids to raise awareness about the important role crossing guards play in preventing traffic injuries by creating a path of safety for our kids to get to and from school," said Lisa Lisson, president of FedEx Express Canada.

"It's also a unique way for our communities to say 'thanks' to a group of incredibly dedicated men and women who dedicate their time to keep the roads in our school zones safe."

The annual contest encourages schools, students, teachers and parents from across Canada to nominate exceptional crossing guards in their community. It's part of the Walk This Way pedestrian safety program launched by FedEx Express Canada and Safe Kids Canada, aimed at reducing pedestrian injuries to Canadian children by raising motorist awareness and making school zones more 'walkable'.  The program also teaches children pedestrian safety tips.

"As the world's largest express transportation company, FedEx Express puts safety above all, both in the workplace and in the communities in which we operate.  We employ more than 5,000 people who drive and walk in thousands of Canadian communities every day, so safety is essential in our work," said Lisson.

FedEx Express Canada and Safe Kids Canada received hundreds of nominations from students, teachers, and parents across Canada, praising their crossing guards' ability to go above and beyond the call of duty.  The winners were selected based on their exceptional care and concern when helping children cross the street.

"This contest recognizes the men and women who help make a difference in our communities," said Pamela Fuselli, executive director of Safe Kids Canada.  "These three individuals, along with every crossing guard in the country, go to work every day, rain or shine, snow or slush, to ensure the safety of our children.  They deserve to be applauded for all their great work."

The following individuals have been recognized for their outstanding contribution to the community and named one of Canada's favourite crossing guards:

• Doris Hisco is the crossing guard for École St. Avila in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  She is described as extremely reliable, never misses her crossing guard duty, and even supervises during the school lunch hour - quite remarkable for an 82-year old.  The students call her 'grandma', and when their principal asked them if they thought 'Mrs. Hisco' was the best crossing guard in the country, he was met with blank stares until they realized he was speaking about 'grandma'.
• Jack Arsenault is the crossing guard for Parkdale Elementary School in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. He has been a crossing guard for more than 33 years, and knows each of the students by name. Jack demonstrates great care and concern for the children, particularly those with special needs. On several occasions he purchased new winter coats and boots for students who had inadequate or worn out clothing. He is also very involved in the horse racing community, and allows students to visit the stables to meet his horses and help with their grooming and care.
• Mary Johnson is the crossing guard for Meadowvale Public School in Scarborough, Ontario. She has been a crossing guard there for 16 years, and is very involved in the school community. Mary attends the school's monthly spirit assemblies, and attends all of their sports games, whether home or away. She knows all of the students by name, and is friends with all the teachers. Even students that graduated from Meadowvale have come back to visit Mary to thank her for the positive impact she had on their lives.

The contest winners will receive a plaque commemorating their award and each school will receive a new computer, provided by FedEx Express Canada.

About Safe Kids Canada

Safe Kids Canada's mission is to lead and inspire a culture of safety across the country in order to reduce unintentional injuries, the leading cause of death among children and youth in Canada.  As a national leader, Safe Kids Canada uses a collaborative and innovative approach to develop partnerships, conduct research, raise awareness and advocate in order to prevent serious injuries among children, youth and their families. Our vision is Fewer Injuries. Healthier Children.  A Safer Canada.  Safe Kids Canada is the national injury prevention program of The Hospital for Sick Children. To learn more about Safe Kids Canada and child safety, visit www.safekidscanada.ca or call 1-888-SAFE-TIP.

About FedEx Express Canada

Federal Express Canada Ltd. is a global logistics and transportation company offering domestic and international shipping and electronic commerce solutions.  The company uses advanced package status tracking systems, automated customs clearance services and a dedicated air and ground transportation network to serve Canadian and global markets. FedEx Express Canada employs approximately 5,000 people in over 60 facilities coast-to-coast. For more information, visit www.fedex.ca.

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 $37 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 285,000 team members to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit www.fedex.com.

 /NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: Photos accompanying this release are also available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

For further information:

To arrange an interview with one of the winners or for more information about the contest or the photo opportunities at each school please contact:

Adrian Grundy
FedEx Express Canada
905.212.5487
[email protected]

Jim Black
Ketchum Public Relations
416-355-7413
[email protected]