Hi Kelly,

The Ottawa Safety Council (OSC) has officially expanded its School Crossing Guard Services to the both Toronto and Brockville!

“We look forward to connecting with the current / returning and prospective School Crossing Guards to serve the west-end of Toronto, as well as working with the City of Toronto staff and local stakeholders to make School Zones Safer for all.” - Jamie Kwong, Executive Director of the OSC

Some of our Toronto Crossing Guards in action!

October 15-21, 2023 is National School Safety Week! Here are some tips that will help kids get to school safely.

• Wear clothing with reflective patches and make sure your bicycle has reflectors and a light.
• Ensure drivers have seen you before you step off the curb by making eye contact.
• Leave the phone alone and turn down the tunes when crossing the street.
• If there is no sidewalk, use the left side of the road facing traffic.
• Look ALL ways before crossing a street, driveway or alley.

It's a busy time of year, but it's important to remember to SLOW DOWN - especially on the road! It's not about getting there quickly, it's about getting there SAFELY. Reducing speed is one simple way drivers can make roads safer for everyone.

Read about why speed matters.

Halloween is an exciting time for kids everywhere, but it's important to remember that excitement can easily cause road accidents.

Here are five tips for Halloween to keep kids safe while having fun.

Are you looking for a part-time job that makes a difference in your community? Whether you're a retiree, student, or anywhere in between, we want to hear from you!

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!)

The OSC hosted our very first Poker Run! With great participation from our favourite vendors from Orleans to Richmond, riders were on site early for a quick coffee & snack and took to the road to get their playing cards! Closing ceremonies were tons of fun, great food from the Garlic Press food truck and fantastic music from a local band called Southbound!

A special shout-out to volunteers Doug Parsonage and Michael Hiscocks for their participation in the charity ride.

Thank you to all our partners, volunteers, OSC staff and board members who helped make it so much fun - we look f0orward to making this a successful annual event!

What's coming next year?

In 2024, we will be looking to recruit some for new MTP instructors.



New season will kick off in March 2024 - see you then!

What do the Ottawa Pride Parade, our Motorcycle Charity Ride, and the uOttawa and Algonquin College career fairs have in common? Look no further than our all-star Crossing Guard of the Month, Kate Scrimgeour!

Kate is a retired teacher and long-time Crossing Guard with the Ottawa Safety Council. She loves the opportunity our ACG program gives her to stay active and connected with her community (not to mention the supplemental income which goes towards her favourite treat, Starbucks!).

During an unprecedented period of growth for the OSC, and our busiest back-to-school season on record, Kate rose to the occasion and offered her time and assistance to multiple members of our team and multiple programs as a dedicated and enthusiastic Ambassador. This involved bringing in new recruits, speaking to hundreds of interested candidates, fundraising for our Motorcycle Training Program, and celebrating the pride and diversity of our Crossing Guard community by marching in the Ottawa Pride Parade!

Did we mention that Kate also carries a “ready for anything” kit in her car to ensure all pedestrians in her care have the safest crossing possible? This includes a shovel for snowy days in case she wants to improve upon the snow removal operations at her crosswalk. When we think of “above and beyond”, we think of Kate! We are so grateful for Kate’s keen and passionate support. She is a natural born leader, and someone we all hope to be like when we grow up!

Thank you so much, Kate! It is an honour to work with you!

October’s Employee of the Month is none other than our wonderful Finance Manger, Sherry Cashman!

Sherry has been a valued member of the OSC team for 12 years and in that time, she has become a beloved friend and colleague to all who have come to know her. She brings a bright energy to the office and is always willing to lend a hand – here is what some of the OSC staff had to say about Sherry!

“Sherry is the Momma Bear of the office! She doesn't just make sure the OSC is getting paid every two weeks, she also makes sure that the office team is taken care."

“Sherry handles so much of the behind the scenes work that goes on at the OSC, always with a positive and helpful attitude. She has been a pleasure to work with for the last 8 years and the OSC is lucky to have her skills, corporate knowledge and git'er done spirit!”

“Sherry is a pleasure to work with, always enthusiastic about learning and helping to resolve issues to make someone’s life easier. We are so lucky to have her at the OSC!”

Thank you, Sherry, for all you do for us!

When you work at the OSC, you are working with an organization that makes an impact in the lives of children and communities. You are a part of a team that is building a better, safer place to live.

Join our team! We're hiring for various positions in Ottawa, Toronto and Brockville!



FEATURED POSITIONS

Office Administrator, OSC Ottawa

Pedestrian Safety Presenter / Animateur(trice) de la sécurité des piétons

How often do you or your loved ones use our roads (whether walking, driving or cycling) to get to school, work and play?

The Ottawa Safety Council is a registered charity focused on promoting social impact through education and engagement. Your donations support our road safety programs such as WalkSafe, BestFit Booster, and CycleSafe.

All donations through Canada Helps receive a tax receipt.