Marlaina Eldey (left) and FFCS Executive Director Lynne Jenkinson pose with the winning billboard. (photo credit FFCS)

The Flagstaff Youth Risk Network held a contest in December of 2015, inviting artists of all ages in the area to submit their artwork promoting proper use of occupant restraints in a vehicle.

The first place winner was Marlaina Eldey. She was given $500 in prize money, and her design will be featured on billboards around East Central Alberta. Ariana Vandenburg earned second place, as well as a cheque for $200.

On Thursday, Feb. 25, the organization held a dinner at the Sedgewick Community Hall in order to unveil the winning design, which is to be featured on a billboard in Killam, donated by BeDevil Oilfield.

Lynne Jenkinson, Executive Director of FFCS and Administrator of FIRST, acted as the evening’s MC. “I will be your host for this exciting evening, as we announce the winners in our Occupant Restraint Billboard Contest, which took place over three weeks in December,” said Jenkinson.

She added that in addition to the donation of the billboard in Killam, Becky Oxton of the Office of Traffic Safety secured billboards in Tofield, Two Hills, Vermilion, and Vegreville for the winner as well.

Mayor Perry Robinson gave a brief greeting on behalf of the Town of Sedgewick. “I’d like to offer you a sincere and warm welcome.

“Anything that brings attention to occupant restraints has got to be a good thing.”
Robinson discussed his time as a firefighter, and noted that he has seen firsthand how occupant restraints save lives.

Reeve Gerald Kuefler was also on hand to give greetings from Flagstaff County.

“I understand from the Flagstaff Youth Risk Network that it was a very successful contest,” he said. “From Flagstaff, thank you to everyone for attending tonight, and a special thank you to all the participants.”

Wendy Doyle, the Executive Director of the Office of Traffic Safety, spoke about her department spearheading the contest province-wide.