Three Crossing Guards Take Home Top Honours in National Contest

FedEx Express Canada and Safe Kids Canada Announce Winners of "Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Contest"

TORONTO , Dec. 9 /CNW/ - Federal Express Canada Ltd. ("FedEx Express Canada "), a subsidiary 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 annual contest encourages schools, students, teachers and parents from across Canada to nominate exceptional crossing guards in their community.

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.

"As the world's largest express transportation company, FedEx Express places a high value on safety, both in the workplace and in the communities in which we operate. Our more than 5,000 employees drive and walk in thousands of communities every day, so safety is a vital element in our work. FedEx Express is particularly concerned about pedestrian safety and is taking a proactive stance in heightening public awareness of this important issue," says Pina Starnino, vice president of operations for FedEx Express Canada . "We congratulate today's winners and the commitment they've shown to their community and to improving child safety."

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 the exceptional care and concern that each of the winners demonstrate when helping children cross the street.

"This contest recognizes the men and women who help make a difference in our communities," says Pamela Fuselli, executive director of Safe Kids Canada . "These three 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."

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

    
    -   Ross Smithson is the crossing guard for École Dieppe in Winnipeg,
        Manitoba. Ross is described as an amazing crossing guard, a wonderful
        person and a valuable member of staff and community. Not only does
        the 82-year-old demonstrate a real commitment to safety, but he takes
        a genuine interest in the lives of the children and their families,
        and is an active member of the community. On weekends, it isn't
        unusual to find him helping clean up the school grounds and weeding
        the flower beds.

    -   Elizabeth Day is the crossing guard for Marlborough Elementary School
        in Burnaby, British Columbia. Elizabeth staffs one of the most
        hazardous pedestrian crossing points in Burnaby, on a busy stretch of
        road that acts as a feeder route for the Trans Canada Highway.
        Despite having to deal with a large amount of traffic, she always
        manages to stay calm and polite. Elizabeth knows every child by name
        and has been heard to say that no matter how she feels in the
        morning, seeing the children always makes her happy.

    -   James (Jim) Arnold is the crossing guard for St. Matthew Catholic
        Elementary School in Oakville, Ontario. Jim has been called a local
        hero, and is credited for saving the life of a boy who was almost hit
        by a van being driven by a distracted motorist. The 20-year veteran
        always has a smile on his face, and safely crosses hundreds of kids
        at his busy intersection every day. He knows every student and most
        parents by name.
    

The contest winners will receive a plaque commemorating their award and each school will receive a new computer, provided by FedEx Express Canada .

About Safe Kids Canada

Safe Kids Canada's mission is to lead and inspire a culture of safety across the country in order to reduce unintentional injuries, the leading cause of death among children and youth in Canada . As a national leader, Safe Kids Canada uses a collaborative and innovative approach to develop partnerships, conduct research, raise awareness and advocate in order to prevent serious injuries among children, youth and their families. Our vision is Fewer Injuries. Healthier Children. A Safer Canada . Safe Kids Canada is the national injury prevention program of The Hospital for Sick Children. To learn more about Safe Kids Canada and child safety, visit www.safekidscanada.ca or call 1-888-SAFE-TIP.

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

About FedEx Corp.

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $34 billion , the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 275,000 team members to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit www.fedex.com.

For further information: To arrange an interview with one of the winners or for more information about the contest or the photo opportunities at each school please contact: Ivan Ivanovitch, Ketchum Public Relations, [phone], [email protected]