Hi Kelly,

This month we launched our annual Crossing Guard of the Year contest!

This award is presented annually to a Guard who shows high levels of excellence and dedication to the important role of keeping our community’s children safe. This year, we are running the contest not just in Ottawa, but our two new cities - Brockville and Toronto!

Winners in each city will receive a $500 cash prize, awarded during an appreciation event at their schools in early June. Also, the schools who cast the most votes will be awarded a $300 Canadian Tire gift card.

The contest runs till May 17th, 2024.

April 14th - 20th was National Volunteer Week!

Did you know our Motorcycle Training Program is the only one in Canada run by volunteers? A huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to our team of volunteer motorcycle instructors! Their love of riding and investment in teaching others how to ride safely ensures our MTP students have the best possible riding education.

Thank you to the OSC Board of Directors! These individuals are some of our most dedicated volunteers who have played a significant role in the strategic direction of the OSC. Their commitment and guidance has helped us make our roads safer for everyone, no matter how travelled.

OSC IN THE NEWS

Did you know that the OSC...

• Actively works with dozens of employment and community support service agencies;
• Attends numerous job fairs a year (pictured here, our Outreach & Recruitment Coordinator Ella attends the Ottawa Accessible Career Fair!);
• Provides community outreach presentations to partner organizations;
• Are dedicated to supporting diversity and inclusion, and recognizing the important work our guards do everyday.

Are you looking for a part-time job that makes a difference in your community?

Enjoy a work-life balance, meet new people, and be a part of a team of Crossing Guards who love their jobs - some have worked as OSC Crossing Guards for 20 years (and counting!)

Motorcycle Training Program Courses Open!!

Courses are opening up for our 2024 season! Due to popular demand, our courses will be opened in stages throughout the season. If all available course dates are currently full, check back again later.

In April, the OSC launched a Motorcycle Safety Campaign - you may have seen our PSA's on CTV News or at bus shelters across the city. Spring is upon us, and as more riders hit the roads it's important that we all understand - riders and drivers - that motorcycle safety is everyone's responsibility.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

We are delighted to announce Debbie Bugden as Brockville's Employee of the Month!



Debbie's dedication and enthusiasm shine through in every aspect of her role. She greets the kids with a warm smile every single day, creating a welcoming environment for all. Her playful spirit truly brightens up her intersection, especially when she dons her funny holiday outfits, spreading joy during Halloween and Christmas. Beyond the festive cheer, Debbie's reliability is unmatched, always putting the needs of the kids first. Her commitment to their well-being is truly commendable, making her an invaluable member of our team.

Congratulations, Debbie, on this well-deserved recognition!

We're thrilled to announce Mona Harden Simpson as our Ottawa Employee of the Month!



Mona's dedication as a Crossing Guard has been exceptional, going above and beyond to ensure the safety of all children at her intersection. Rain or shine, Mona's unwavering commitment to her duty has made her an indispensable part of our team. Her attentiveness, kindness, and reliability make her not only a standout employee but also a true guardian of our community's well-being.

Congratulations, Mona, on this well-deserved recognition!

Congratulations to one of our two Toronto Employees of the Month, Derek Hamlett!

Derek is a very polite and courteous guard and has earned the trust of the residents around him. He has received many compliments from the community due to his friendly and approachable demeanor. He’s determined and conscientious, treating his role as a crossing guard with the utmost respect. Always punctual and great at communicating, he is proactive in raising any issues faced at his intersection.

We greatly appreciate his outstanding service and dedication to his important role.

Congratulations, Derek!

Congratulations to one of our two Toronto Employee of the Month, our Field Supervisor Usman Khan!

Usman is a ray of sunshine! He's got an ever ready smile and friendly attitude and he brings his positive outlook to every task at hand. He is a wonderful listener, supportive, kind and fair, and is willing to help anyone in need. His strong work ethic is admirable and his dedication shines through in his unfailing willingness to help the team and go the extra mile. He has been a huge player in making our program a smashing success and we're so grateful for him!

Congratulations, Usman!

We are excited to announce the OSC Staff Employee of the Month title to Ella Trolly, our Outreach and Engagement Coordinator!

Since joining the OSC last summer, Ella has brought a radiant energy to the team. Meeting her is unforgettable; knowing her is an honour.

“From day one, her passion was palpable - she thrives on engaging individuals and her enthusiasm is infectious. Her strength lies not only in recruiting individuals for the OSC but also in guiding them through the initial steps of onboarding and facilitating their smooth transition into working with us. As the leader of the OSC's itty bitty social committee, she approaches her role with gusto, exemplifying excellent teamwork. Her creativity, enthusiasm for collaboration, and joyful outlook on life make us incredibly fortunate and appreciative to have her on our team!”

“Knowing Ella is a true delight. She has a remarkable ability to make you feel valued and supported, not just as a colleague, but as a friend. Her passion for her work is clear, and her energy is contagious. Watching her interact with our crossing guards with such genuine care and enthusiasm is inspiring. Ella's thoughtfulness, intelligence, and creativity shine through in everything she does, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our team.”

Thank you, Ella, for all that you do!

All donations through Canada Helps receive a tax receipt.