Students at Martin Street School were taught the importance of staying away from railway tracks at a special presentation at the school on Tuesday.
In conjunction with National Rail Safety Week (April 27 to May 3), Operation Lifesaver announced a new partnership with the Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) to deliver rail safety programs to students across the Halton District School Board (HDSB).
The initiative will begin with students who attend Halton public schools in close proximity to railway lines — such as Martin Street School, which has CP tracks directly adjacent to the rear of the school.
Eventually, students across the board will benefit from rail safety awareness through Operation Lifesaver — an initiative of the Railway Association of Canada and Transport Canada dedicated to educating Canadians about the hazards surrounding rail property and trains.
One of Operation Lifesaver’s partners, CN, also made a pledge to support HLF, which provides emergency assistance for HDSB students in need, post-secondary scholarships and funds to help student requests.
HLF receives requests from students who don’t have food, warm clothes or money for school trips and programs, which are potential barriers to education.
CN said it would be making a “substantial donation” to HLF, so the organization will have the funds it needs to be able to continue providing its services to students.
“The funding that CN supports will have an enormous impact,” said Carol D’Amelio, chair of the HLF board of directors. “I thank you on behalf of those who will benefit from this generous donation.”
Meanwhile, students were encouraged by CN Vice-President of Public Affairs Paul Deegan to be ambassadors.
“If you tell five of your friends and they tell five of their friends, we can spread the message,” he said.
HDSB Chair Kelly Amos added, “Martin Street School is just metres from the tracks, but kids don’t realize the risks.
“Crossing or walking on railway tracks can be dangerous,” she said. “It’s critical for our students to understand the risks and learn how to prevent accidents from happening to either themselves or their friends and this program will be a key element.”
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Detail Link :
http://www.insidehalton.com/news-story/5593407-milton-students-learn-importance-of-rail-safety-through-program/