2025
In 2025, three crossing guards – one each from Québec, Ontario and British Columbia – have been selected as contest winners.
The 2025 Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guard Contest drew a contest-record 814 nominations for 126 crossing guards from five provinces. The winners are:
André Sauvé, École Léopold-Carrière, Les coteaux, Québec
André is known for his passion and joy: he is nicknamed monsieur sourire and monsieur bonheur (Mr. Smile, Mr. Happiness). His playful decorations that change with the seasons and holidays, his Minions and plush toys, all create a warm, visible landmark that catches drivers’ attention, calms anxious students and encourages everyone to follow the rules. Behind the fun lies something serious – André strengthens road awareness, builds trust and creates a sense of safety around the school. Beyond his duties, he is an advocate for anti-bullying and raises awareness about suicide prevention and local organizations that help children by displaying information at his crossing.
Khevin Enriquez, Huron Street Public School and Jesse Ketchum Public School, Toronto
Khevin’s professionalism and warmth make a remarkable difference at one of downtown Toronto’s busiest intersections. Even with heavy traffic and ongoing construction, he remains calm, friendly and attentive. He greets everyone with genuine kindness and ensures children, parents and pedestrians feel safe and cared for. He lifts people’s spirits, and teaches the children about safety in engaging, memorable ways. Outside his crossing duties, Khevin continues to give back by helping create arts-based programs and Filipino theatre productions that build community and celebrate culture.
Pat McDermott, Abbotsford School of Integrated Arts (ASIA) – North Poplar, Abbotsford, B.C.
For 25 years, Pat has worked in a high-traffic area and has to keep the traffic flow going safely, as it leads off a highway. He makes sure the children are safely crossing from two directions and is “tough with drivers who make stupid decisions and put pedestrians at risk.” He balances that toughness with friendliness and kindness to the students, who he knows by name and remembers who’s supposed to cross, and who’s supposed to wait at school for their parents. He’s also been tapped to train new crossing guards to learn from his experience and caring attitude.
Each winning guard receives $500, as does each of their schools.
The 2025 contest judges
- Pamela Fuselli, President and CEO, Parachute
- Stéphanie Fournier, Senior Vice President, Member and Client Relations and Direct Insurance, Personal Lines (Quebec), Desjardins General Insurance Group
- Dr. Richard Louis, Injury Prevention Specialist, NB Trauma Program, member of Parachute’s Expert Advisory Committee
- Marie-Ève Piché, Content Creator and TV host, @maman_cafeine
- Jenelle Smit, Digital Creator, @nellecreations
2024
The 2024 Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guard Contest drew 346 nominations for 59 crossing guards across four provinces.
Jean Marc Auclair, École l’Arbrisseau, Québec City, Québec
Known as “Mr. Happiness,” “Mr. Sunshine,” and “Mr. Smile,” Jean Marc is a beacon of positivity in his Cap-Rouge neighbourhood. At 71, he became a crossing guard out of a passion for ensuring children’s safety and has transformed his post into a source of joy. Jean Marc greets everyone with a warm smile, occasionally dresses in colourful costumes and takes pride in being a reassuring presence. One student shared, “Sometimes I don’t feel like going to school because of conflicts, but just seeing him smile at me makes my day better.” Recognized locally and beyond, Jean Marc’s kindness and commitment embody the spirit of this award.
Fay Eggleston, Port Elgin Saugeen Central School, Port Elgin, Ontario
Fay’s warm smile and unwavering dedication make her a pillar of her community. A former local business owner, she’s been a crossing guard for years, guiding children safely across a busy highway intersection. One nomination shared how Fay went above and beyond by noticing a child without gloves on a cold day and giving them a pair from her personal stash. Fay is loved by both children and parents for her cheerful greetings, her care for their safety and her constant vigilance, regardless of the weather.
Clayton Ross, St. Paul Catholic School, Kingston, Ontario
Clayton is cherished by his community for his extraordinary efforts to ensure student safety and spread positivity. Parents praise him for learning the names of students and their families, bringing treats for neighbourhood dogs and volunteering to teach road safety in classrooms. Clayton even handed out reflective stickers at the end of the school year, urging children to stay safe over the summer. A parent remarked, “Clayton’s presence is not just about safety; it’s about making every student and family feel seen and valued.”
Our 2024 judges
- Trisha Enriquez, digital content creator and brand collaborations strategist
- Pamela Fuselli, President and CEO, Parachute
- Stéphanie Fournier, Vice-President Omnichannel Member/Client Journeys Division, Desjardins General Insurance Group
- Julie Houle, TVA Host
- Dr. Richard Louis, Injury Prevention Specialist, NB Trauma Program, member of Parachute’s Expert Advisory Committee