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in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, Ju ne 28 ,2 01 8 | 20 312 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville, ON L6J 1J2 | (905) 844-7401 | reservations.oakville@ricardas.com | @ricardas.ov Cocktails al fresco! Dinner under the stars! Brunch in the sun! Let's celebrate the season and live a little! xoxo, Ricarda. L i v e i t u p th i s s ummer , on our PAT I O ! Every day before Darn- ley Lewis, 82, takes his post at the crosswalk outside St. Mary Catholic Elementary School in Oakville, he of- fers up a prayer."I took onefers up a prayer."I took onef look at what was going on and offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the safety of the students and every- one crossing," said Lewis, who was one of three peo- ple to earn the title of Cana- da's Favourite Crossing Guard in June. "There are good drivers out there, and not-so-good. Some drivers are courte- ous to the extreme and some are the opposite."The Burlington resident has been firmly (but kindly) patrolling the Colonel Wil- liam Parkway crosswalk since 2014. He was one of 676 people to be nominated -- a process that saw dozens of students, school staff and community members draw pictures, write let- ters and even make a video in support of his candida- cy.The entire school popu- lation, including Lewis, his family and even local dig-family and even local dig-f nitaries, had the chance to watch that video at a spe- cial assembly on June 6. "I look forward to seeing him every day after school," said one student in the vid- eo."He is awesome!" ex- claimed another.The ap- plause was thunderous as Lewis and his family en- tered the gym for the as- sembly. Principal Carol Hryhorsky had warned students that "hooting and hollering" would not be al- lowed, so they used their hands to show their appre- ciation, leaving the cross- ing guard in tears."I feel honoured. More than ho- noured," he said, wiping his eyes. "I consider you the best crossing children in all of Canada, too."The contest is organized by Parachute Canada, an or- ganization working to re- duce preventable injuries, with support from FedEx Canada. Representatives from both organizationsfrom both organizationsf were on hand to congratu- late Lewis, and bestow him with a trophy and $500. St. Mary's also received $500, but decided to give its cheque to Lewis as well."We didn't honour you so we could get something in return," said Grade 5 student Jasmine Ladzinski at the assembly.In keeping with the spirit of giving, Lewis offered the gift as a donation to McMaster Uni- versity Medical Centre, where a student from the school has been recovering after a serious car crash. He also proposed to leave his trophy at the school for half of the year.Oakville mayor Rob Burton thanked Lewis on behalf of the entire community, tell- ing students in the audi- ence that they are lucky to live where they do."The reason we are the safest community in Canada is because you are being raised by people who really care ... and want to keep you safe," Burton said. EDUCATION Darnley Lewis is Canada's favourite crossing guard Darnley Lewis is winner of Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Contest for his work at St. Mary's Elementary School. Lewis had countless letters, photographs and video testimonies submitted to nominate him for this honour. Says one nominee: "He is a foot soldier of safety at the corner of inconsiderate and entitlement." He also is a hospital volunteer. Nikki Wesley/Metroland The 82-year-old Burlington resident was nominated for the title by St. Mary Catholic School SAIRA PEESKER sairapeesker@metroland.com