Canes skate with safety patrollers

By Lethbridge Herald on January 23, 2024.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

More than 350 Grade 5 and 6 students from Lethbridge and the nearby area had the chance of a life time on Tuesday to skate with the Lethbridge Hurricanes at the Enmax Centre thanks to their efforts through the annual AMA (Alberta Motor Association) School Safety Patrollers program.

Students had the opportunity because of volunteering their time to guide pedestrians across the cross walk safely before and after class . Additionally, students provided a visual reminder to motorists about school zone importance.

Canes forward Kooper Gizowski was a patroller himself as a young student in Edmonton.

“When I was younger I always kind of wanted to join in on this stuff going on,” said Gizowski.

“I thought going to hold the stop sign and making sure people get across the street safe and sound was kind of a goal of mine.”

“I like to see them skate and see if they like fall or not,” said one St. Patrick’s School student.

Georgia Kirkness from Canyon School in Pincher Creek thought the skate was interesting because of all the races and getting autographs.

Lethbridge Police Service also skated at the event including Cst. Donald Realini.

“It’s nice just to say thanks and chat with the kids who’ve worked hard all year ensuring road safety with the crossings and the AMA program,” said Realini.

“So yeah, it’s just fun to be out here with them and have that positive interaction.”

Students learn how traffic operates and how distracted driving impacts them being patrollers on the crosswalk and leadership.

“That’s probably one of the biggest things they can carry on with them for the rest of their  life is the leadership and the  volunteerism,” said Allison Purcell with AMA Safety Patrollers.