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Award-winning crossing guard takes honour in stride 7 · Thursday, December 17, 2009 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Continued from page 1 Students, parents and school staff will tell you that Arnold is the best crossing guard around. This was recently confirmed, as the elderly gentleman with the kind smile was named one of three winners of Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Contest held by FedEx Express Canada. "It's happy news and I haven't quite gotten used to it yet," said Arnold. "It's got me flabbergasted. I didn't expect anything from this because I'm just doing my job the best I can. To me it's a job and the kids come first." The contest is part of the Walk This Way pedestrian safety program launched by FedEx Express Canada 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 Express Canada 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 MICHAEL IVANIN / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER LOOK BOTH WAYS: Crossing guard Jim Arnold on duty at the intersection of Nottinghill Gate at Monks Passage. the exceptional care and concern that and energetic crossing guard out each of the winners demonstrate there. He's willing to go above and when helping children cross the beyond, and he'd put his life on the line for these kids." street. Cascone-Brown said the students Arnold was nominated by Kim Hutton, supervisor of crossing have a special bond with Arnold. "The kids at the school love Jim," guards with the Town of Oakville. She asked Kelly Cascone-Brown, she said. "They ask about including principal of St. Matthew's, to help him in activities and we always put provide evidence of Arnold's contri- his picture in our school yearbook. butions. Cascone-Brown said she was He is a loved and cherished addition to our school community." only too happy to help out. Arnold is also credited with help"There is not a finer crossing guard in Canada than Jim Arnold," ing save the life of a boy who was Cascone-Brown told The Oakville almost hit by a van being driven by a Beaver. "Jim knows the students by distracted motorist. Six years ago, Arnold grabbed a name, he greets them, he cares about them and is the most enthusiastic 10-year-old boy who had run out into the intersection in front of an oncoming vehicle. There were salt stains on his mitts, as the vehicle had actually touched the boy, according to his father. "In a way, I guess I did (save his life)," said Arnold humbly when asked about the situation. "He was crossing and got in front, and a car made a right-hand turn into the intersection, so I grabbed him. The car just brushed his gloves." Arnold was hired on as a crossing guard 20 years ago. He worked at various schools before finding his permanent home at St. Matthew's. The job is one of many interesting careers he's had over the years, including serving as a firefighter in his native Scotland, working as a gold miner in Timmins, Ontario when he moved to Canada in 1952, then hitting the road as a transport truck driver, which he did for 34 years. After retiring from trucking, a friend's suggestion led him to apply to be a crossing guard. He was hired on the spot. He said working as a crossing guard helps keep him in shape, both physically and mentally. "It gives me a sense to wake up and get out and do something," he said. "And talking to the kids keeps my brain active, because I try to memorize all their names." It is a busy job, with Arnold working from 8-8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. and 3-3:30 p.m. "The kids, the fresh air and the car fumes," he said with a laugh when asked what he likes about working as a crossing guard. "Really, it is great talking to the kids and greeting them in the morning. They've always got smiles on their faces and they are well-mannered. They are really good kids." He doesn't even mind the bitterlycold days, like the ones that Oakville has experienced in the past week. "As long as you are bundled up and your head is warm and your feet are warm, you've got the cold beat," he said. As a winner in the contest, Arnold will receive a plaque. An awards presentation is being held Friday morning at the school. St. Matthew's will also receive a new computer, provided by FedEx Express Canada. "This was certainly not the reason we put forth the nomination, so it is an exciting secondary prize," said Cascone-Brown. "Our school council is currently fundraising to upgrade our computer lab, so we're excited to have this addition towards our computer purchases." TOY DRIVE Grand Opening Special OAKVILLE'S NEWEST DINING EXPERIENCE SEAFOOD, STEAK & SONG 266 LAKESHORE RD. EAST 905.339-2777 COME VISIT SEACAN'S FRESH FISH MARKET & TAKE-OUT NEXT DOOR SEACAN 1500 Upper Middle Road at Third Line 361 Cornwall Road at Allan Street ( (Near Whole Foods Market) ) 905-847-3299 905-815-0320