Cleveland Elementary School hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Tea this morning to acknowledge and thank all community volunteers for their hard work and support. Guests were also treated to a very special surprise…….

Christian Behnke, parent and crossing guard volunteer at Cleveland Elementary, was announced as a winner in the Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard of the year 2018 contest. Behnke was honoured for his tremendous commitment to the community and his passion for ensuring student safety at schools during the rush hour. He leads Grade 6 and 7 students who also volunteer to assist with ensuring roads and crossings are safe. A D.J. by trade, he volunteers to bring music to the schools "Walk & Wheel" days and supports other schools' activities with his music.

A special thanks to the sponsors of this national contest: Parachute Canada and Fedex Canada Express and the nominator of this award: Ms. Jeneen Sutherland. Click here to read the media release: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases.

Volunteer Appreciation Tea Highlights

Welcome, appreciation speech and announcement of the award was done by Mr Bill Reid, Principal of Cleveland Elementary School

Dr. Shelina Babul of BC Children's Hospital delivers a speech about the contest on behalf of Parachute Canada

Christian receiving his crystal maple leaf award and $500 presented by Mr. Stephen Barbour, Senior Operations Manager, FedEx Canada

Highlights of crossing duty this morning

Behnke said that he is thrilled to have won this award, “It is an honour indeed. As a parent and a crossing guard volunteer at Cleveland Elementary School, my job is to ensure our kids are crossing the roads safely. I’m happy to make a difference in this wonderful school community. Thanks to the sponsors, nominators and all those who voted for me.”