It’s Winter – Don’t Hibernate!

Come outside and Celebrate Winter Walk and Crossing Guard Appreciation Day!

Walking to school has many benefits apart from increased physical activity. Walking means less traffic congestion, less air pollution, a safer community with “more eyes on the street”, and an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and develop a “walking habit”.

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012 is Winter Walk Day – a day to celebrate winter walking and encourage students to walk to school! Outdoor activity helps get rid of those winter blahs and helps foster health. Schools across Waterloo Region are encouraged to participate.

On February 15th we also celebrate the 200 Crossing Guards in Waterloo Region who work faithfully in all kinds of weather to help our children walk safely to school. This is an opportunity for all of us to say “thank you” and acknowledge their important work.

Active and Safe Routes to School is a program that promotes safe, walkable communities. It engages both schools and the community to work together to make safe walking routes a reality for all children.

The Active and Safe Routes to School Workgroup promotes the activities of the Active and Safe Routes to School program and is comprised of representatives from Region of Waterloo Public Health, Waterloo Region District School Board, Waterloo Catholic District School Board, City of Kitchener, City of Waterloo, City of Cambridge, Run for Life, Ministry of Transportation and Waterloo Region Police Services.

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Media contact: Ruth Dyck, RN, Public Health Nurse, Active and Safe Routes to School Workgroup, 519-883-2004, ext. 5332, rdyck@regionofwaterloo.ca.