Canada (English)

Five Crossing Guards Take Home Top Honours in National Contest

TORONTO , June 19, 2006 – FedEx Express, a unit of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), and Safe Kids Canada announced today the winners of “ Canada ’s Favourite Crossing Guard Contest.” Designed to raise awareness about the important role crossing guards play in preventing traffic injuries, the contest encourages schools, students, teachers and parents from across Canada to nominate exceptional crossing guards in their community.


The contest is part of the Pedestrian Safety Program launched by FedEx and Safe Kids Canada. The program is aimed at reducing pedestrian injuries to Canadian children by increasing motorist awareness about school zone safety, providing long-term support to communities, making school zones more ‘walkable’ and teaching children safety tips.


“FedEx couriers are on the roads every day and see first hand the important role that crossing guards play in ensuring the safety of our children as they travel to and from school,” says Arthur Stanley, vice president of operations for FedEx Express. “We salute today’s winners and the commitment they’ve shown to their community and to improving child safety.”


FedEx and Safe Kids Canada received nominations from students, teachers, and parents across Canada , praising their crossing guards’ ability to go above and beyond the call of duty. The winning nominations were those that spoke to the exceptional care and concern that each of the winners demonstrate when helping children cross the street.


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


* John Stephen Underwood of Kilbride Public School in Ontario has been a crossing guard for 15 years. John remembers the names of all the children he crosses and is known for dressing up during the holidays.


* Dot Larson has been the crossing guard for St. Stephen Elementary School in St. Stephen , New Brunswick for 20 years. She makes it a point to record all the children’s birthdays and gives them a special treat.


* Known as Souvenir School ’s guardian angel, Margit Savoie has been shepherding children of Souvenir Elementary across the streets in Laval , Quebec for 27 years.


* Helen Sweet from Brampton , Ontario has been a crossing guard at St. Jean Brebeuf School for 30 years and received numerous nominations from all the students she helps cross every day.


* Susan Sleep of Rothesay , New Brunswick has been a crossing guard for Fairvale Elementary School for 10 years and has volunteered for the school countless times.


“This contest recognizes the men and women who help make a difference in our communities,” says Allyson Hewitt of Safe Kids Canada. “These five 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.”


Winners will have a chance to celebrate their award, with students and teachers, at a school-wide pizza party held at each of the winners’ schools and sponsored by FedEx. The contest winners will also receive a plaque commemorating their award.


About Safe Kids Canada


Safe Kids Canada is the national injury prevention program of Toronto ’s Hospital for Sick Children. The mission of Safe Kids Canada is to prevent injuries by educating the public about injury prevention and by working to create safer environments. Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability among children in Canada . For more information contact Safe Kids Canada at 1-888-SAFE-TIPS or www.safekidscanada.ca.


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 employs approximately 5,000 people in over 60 facilities coast-to-coast. For more information, visit www.fedex.ca