Operation Lifesaver Canada joins forces with Thomas & Friends™ to teach kids about rail safety

OTTAWA, ON –/COMMUNITYWIRE/– It’s never too early to learn about rail safety. At Operation Lifesaver (OL) Canada, our goal is to make sure all Canadians know how to stay safe around tracks and trains—and that includes young children.

That’s why OL is launching two new rail-safety focused Thomas & Friends^TM books in partnership with Mattel Canada, Canadian Pacific (CP), and Metrolinx at an event in the Skywalk between Union Station and Rogers Centre on September 17 and 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature readings of OL’s new Stay Safe with Thomas storybook, games, and giveaways, all with a rail safety theme — allowing children to follow along with Thomas as he learns lessons about the dangers of not stopping at rail crossings and standing too close to the platform edge at train stations.

“Children love Thomas & Friends^TM, so we’re excited to be able to offer these books in the lead up to Rail Safety Week (Sept.19-25, 2022), to help parents and educators teach kids about rail safety in a fun and age-appropriate way,” says Sarah Mayes, National Director of Operation Lifesaver Canada. “These books are the perfect way for young children to learn the rail-safety rules they need to know to stay safe.”

“Teaching children about rail safety from an early age forms their behaviours for the future,” said CP Chief of Police Service, Al Sauve. “Thomas & Friends^TM is an age-appropriate and easy-to-understand introduction to rail safety that we hope will positively influence children. CP is proud to be a part of this initiative with Operation Lifesaver and to help share the message of rail safety.”

OL will also be offering its new Thomas & Friends^TM books for FREE to parents, educators, and community groups. Anyone can download a PDF version of the Stay Safe with Thomas storybook, and teachers and community groups can order batches of 25 storybooks and Stand Back activity books using a form on OL’s website. Readings of the Stay Safe storybook will also be hosted at select Toys ‘R Us stores across Canada on September 25^th, where OL will also be giving away FREE copies of its Thomas activity books. Follow OL Canada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for details and store locations.Together, we can make sure every child learns to stay rail-safe.

About Operation Lifesaver Canada

Operation Lifesaver Canada is a national public rail-safety program sponsored by Transport Canada, the Railway Association of Canada and its members, including CN, CP, VIA Rail, Metrolinx, exo, West Coast Express and Genesee & Wyoming, among others. Through its national network of Rail Safety Ambassadors, partnerships with safety councils, police, the trucking industry and community groups, and innovative tools such as its virtual-reality Look. Listen. Live. campaign, Operation Lifesaver Canada works to save lives by educating Canadians about the hazards of trespassing on railway property and failing to exercise caution at rail crossings. Canadians can keep up-to-date on the latest rail safety news by visiting operationlifesaver.ca.

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com.

About Canadian Pacific

Canadian Pacific is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to major ports on the west and east coasts. CP provides North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of CP.

Contacts

For more information:
Catherine Henry
chenry@railcan.ca
(613) 564-8100

On-site media contact:
Taïssa Hrycay
taissa.iabc@gmail.com
(514) 816-9900