For Immediate Release
Roberta Bondar School wins national eco challenge
TORONTO (23/06/10)—Students of Roberta Bondar School were recognized as the national winner of Earth Day Canada’s Great EcoKids Challenge intermediate category on Wednesday. Student leaders were honoured for helping reduce vehicle traffic in their community by participating in a Walking School Bus Program.
“It’s nice to know that there are groups of young people that understand the importance of getting out of the car” said Jed Goldberg, President of Earth Day Canada. “These students looked at the situation carefully and took steps to change the behaviour of their community. The Walking School Bus program has improved the health of Roberta Bondar School students and the environment.”
Every Wednesday through out the school year, and regardless of weather, the students of Roberta Bondar Public School walked to school. Non-bussing students who would normally be dropped off by a car, minivan or S.U.V. participated in the Walking School Bus program.
Student leaders traveled a designated “bus route” and picked up students along the way. Roberta Bondar Public School gave out certificates and a “Green Shoe Award” to classes with the most participation in the program. The Walking School Bus program was such a huge success that the City of Brampton allocated a second crossing guard to the district.
For their efforts, Sony of Canada Ltd., a proud sponsor of The Great EcoKids Challenge, awarded the students with Sony W-Series Walkman® MP3 Players and the co-ordinating teacher received a Sony Cybershot Digitial Camera.
EcoKids is Earth Day Canada's environmental education program for youth aged kindergarten through grade eight. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, EcoKids empowers young Canadians and their teachers with environmental knowledge and hands-on activities presented in fun, exciting ways.
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About Earth Day Canada
Earth Day Canada (EDC), a national environmental charity founded in 1990, provides Canadians with the practical knowledge and tools they need to lessen their impact on the environment. In 2004 it was recognized as the top environmental education organization in North America, for its innovative year-round programs and educational resources, by the Washington-based North American Association for Environmental Education, the world’s largest association of environmental educators. In 2008 it was chosen as Canada’s “Outstanding Non-profit Organization” by the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication. EDC regularly partners with thousands of organizations in all parts of Canada. www.earthday.ca
Contact: Keith Treffry | Communications Director | Earth Day Canada | 416.599.1991 x 107 | keith@earthday.ca
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