Student writing contest celebrates first responders

In honour of May 1st being recognized in Ontario as ‘First Responders Day’ Todd Smith, Prince Edward-Hastings MPP, is hosting a writing contest for elementary and high school students in the riding.

“First responders are volunteers and professionals who have dedicated their lives to public service,” said Smith. “They are those men and women who, in the early stages of an emergency, are responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property, evidence and the environment. Their life saving skills often makes the difference between life and death.”

The First Responders Day Writing Contest is an opportunity for young people eager to honour those who dedicate their lives for our community, said Smith.

First Responders Day Writing Contest:
Grades 1-3 – Prize: $50 Visa Gift Card – colouring or drawing entry
Grades 4-6 – Prize: $50 Visa Gift Card– a short story no more than 200 words in length
Grades 7-8 – Prize: iPad Mini 2 – Essay no more than 300 words in length
High School – Prize: iPad Mini 2 – Essay no more than 500 words in length

Students are asked to submit their entry by April 24, 2015 via email to todd.smith@pc.ola.org or in person at the Belleville Office of Todd Smith, MPP at 81 Millenium Parkway, Unit 3.

Winners will be determined by a panel consisting of first responders, and will be selected no later than April 30, 2015. The winners will be presented with their prizes on May 1st .

On December 11, 2013 the First Responders Day Act was passed into law by the Ontario Legislature. First responders include police officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, nurses, doctors, emergency medical technicians and military personnel. Prizes have been donated by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).