Looking to keep kids occupied? Check out OL’s new art contest

Schools are shut across the country. Museums are closed. Even hanging out at the park with friends is a no-no these days. The new reality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic has parents scrambling to keep kids occupied—and learning. But Operation Lifesaver is here to help.

Our new "Get on Board with Rail Safety" art contest is a chance for children to show off their artistic talents—and learn about rail safety at the same time.

“Operation Lifesaver’s goal is to save lives by ensuring Canadians stay safe around tracks and trains—and that includes young Canadians. But to stay safe, kids need to know the rail safety basics,” says Sarah Mayes, National Director of Operation Lifesaver Canada. “Our new art contest is the perfect way to teach kids important rail safety messages—and tap into their creativity at the same time.”

The contest is open to Canadian children aged 12 and younger. But entries will be split into the three age categories: 4- to 6-year-olds, 7- to 9-year-olds, and 10- to 12-year-olds. All Rail Safety Artists will receive a certificate just for entering, and the top two entries in each age group will win a fun prize package.

 

Get your budding artist on board—it could save their life

We’re asking kids to be as creative as possible. They can submit any visual media— a drawing, painting, collage, advertisement, comic strip, or any other visual piece—as long as it emphasizes one of five important rail safety messages:

• Train or track? Just keep back! 
• Never use tracks as a path or a shortcut 
• Don’t play near tracks or on train equipment
• Always obey railway warning signs and signals 
• Leave one ear out when wearing headphones near tracks

Check out the full contest rules here, and get your budding artist on board!