Everybody knows crossing guard Mona on a first-name basis
[attach]1027[/attach]Two years ago, Mona Piper underwent knee surgery and faced the tragic loss of her eldest son during recovery.
The Leaside resident, now 80 years old, was back at work just six weeks later.
Piper has been a crossing guard for 38 years, starting as a young mother helping her own children get safely to school and now crossing the next generation of children, including her own grand kids.
“She is truly the icon of the community,” said Mike Freeman, who has two children who graduated from Maurice Cody. “You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in the Davisville area who doesn’t know her on a first-name basis.”
In October, Piper received the Ontario Senior Achievement Award, which honours people over 65 who have made significant contributions to their communities. It is considered the province’s highest recognition for seniors.
A ceremony was held at Queen’s Park, where David Onley, Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, and Aileen Carroll, Minister Responsible for Seniors, presented the awards.
“Mona Piper is the epitome of what all Canadians should strive to be,” Carroll said before the presentation.
“She gets out everyday in the rain, snow and sunshine,” said Constable Jill Miller, coordinator of the Adult Crossing Guard Program for Toronto. “She just has such a great attitude, willingness to serve (the community) and knows all the kids by name.”
Though appreciative of the recognition, Piper remains humble. “When I found out I won the award, I thought: ‘Why me?’” she said.
“I do this because I like to see the kids smile, hear their little jokes – it perks me right up and it keeps me young.”
Miller and one of Piper’s friends nominated her for the distinction. “She was the first person I thought of,” Miller said. “Mona is a pillar of society and I thought it was something she really deserves.”
Piper has also been the president of the Crossing Guards’ Association for the past 10 years.
As the president, her responsibilities include helping other crossing guards negotiate their contracts, training, attend meetings and is also on-call to answer questions and give advice to staff – she does all of these extras without expecting pay.