Montréal, September 28, 2016 – CN police officers toured YMCA of Québec day camps in Montréal over the summer. In partnership with Operation Lifesaver, they gave children important information on adopting safe practices around railways and crossings, as well as the dangers of trespassing, to help reduce the risk of accidents. CN police officers visited a total of 8 day camps, where the initiative reached more than 800 young people.

The Director of Day Camps, Nicolas Garcia, who as a teenager was a victim of a train accident, strongly believes that it is important to teach young people about railway safety: “Trains and railways are a part of the reality of young Montrealers. Accidents can happen very quickly.”  

“Safety is a shared responsibility with communities we serve,” said Stephen Covey, CN Chief of Police and Chief Security Officer. “We are very happy to have partnered again with the YMCA this summer to help spread the word on rail crossing safety to more than 800 kids. Together, we can raise public awareness about rail safety and save lives.”

CN’s rail crossing and trespassing safety tips are:

• Never walk or play on train tracks. It's dangerous and illegal.
• Never play or stay near a stopped train.
• Cross train tracks at designated highway/railroad crossings.
• Look for signals and respect them.
• Be prepared to stop at crossings.
• Cross the tracks in low gear; do not change gears while crossing.
• Stalled vehicle? Get out quickly and move away from the vehicle and tracks.
• Listen for warning bells and whistles when approaching a crossing.
• Remember: a train can hide another.
• Keep the CN Police number handy: 1-800-465-9239.

Take the CN Rail Safety Pledge and act today to help save lives at mysafetypledge.com.

This initiative is part of a partnership between the YMCA and CN, who has supported the YMCA for several decades now. In the last two years, CN has sponsored the Downtown YMCA’s Spin-O-Thon, contributing more than $40,000 to the cause. 

“We are very happy that such a major company believes that we are uniquely positioned to reach young people. In fact, our charitable organization has deep roots in Montréal communities through its network of centres. Thanks to CN’s generosity, we can offer children, young people and families opportunities to be active, learn and make connections in a welcoming and safe environment,” said Daniele MacKinnon, Vice-President of Philanthropic Development at the YMCAs of Québec Foundation.

About the YMCAs of Québec 

The YMCAs of Québec is a charitable organization that builds stronger communities by providing opportunities for everyone to lead fulfilling, active, healthy and engaged lives. Its 10 YMCA centres, International Language School, Residence, Camp YMCA Kanawana and its 40 service sites across the province are visited each year by more than 120,000 people. The first YMCA in North America was founded in Montréal in November 1851. The YMCAs of Québec is part of the Canadian network of 50 YMCA associations. For more information, visit ymcaquebec.org or our Facebook and Twitter pages.

– 30 –

For more information, please contact:

Nathalie Viora, Manager, YMCA Campaign Communications / The YMCAs of Québec Foundation fondation@ymcaquebec.org