Peter Atienza, 76 years old, has been named as one of Canada’s “Favorite Crossing Guards” awardees this year. Atienza will receive cash, a plaque and a winter coat.
Atienza has been assisting Oriole Park Public School students in safely crossing the street for five years now. He is on duty twice a day, for 45 minutes each and is still not planning to retire anytime soon.
Just last winter, Atienza saved the lives of two students as a car skid into the side of the slippery road. He was quick to respond and pushed the students into a snow bank, preventing an accident. The students and the driver were unharmed.
Back in the Philippines, Atienza used to be a sugarcane farmer. With the help of his daughter, he migrated to Canada a few years ago.
With report from Cyra Moraleda