In 1936, as more cars began filling the streets of Winnipeg, local teacher Louise Staples worried one of her students might get hurt. Inspired by a program launched in Ontario just under a decade earlier, she helped organize Manitoba’s first CAA School Safety Patrol program, empowering students at Greenway School to help guide their classmates across busy roads.

The initiative quickly expanded across Winnipeg. Student Patrollers were soon instituted city-wide, becoming a familiar and reassuring presence in school zones. Today, more than 8,300 student Patrollers in 270 schools across Manitoba carry on that legacy. Working closely with local police services, CAA Manitoba provides training, equipment and support at no cost, helping young volunteers take on these important roles in their communities. The program gives Patrollers a strong awareness of road safety, equipping them with the tools they need to stay safe and help others do the same. It goes far beyond ensuring safe schools, too — building confidence, leadership skills and a lasting sense of responsibility.

The program builds on a mission that stretches back to 1904, when CAA first began advocating for safer streets and better understanding between road users. Over time, that early work has evolved into a nationwide focus on education, prevention and strengthening community well-being. The School Safety Patrol program remains CAA’s oldest traffic safety initiative, and highlights its long-standing commitment to safer roads for everyone.

The CAA School Safety Patrol program continues to evolve and grow, adapting to changing traffic patterns and modern safety standards, to ensure it remains as effective today as it was when it first began. Its success is also a reflection of the power of strong community ties. Support from partners such as the Winnipeg Police Service, Brandon Police Service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as the Manitoba Moose, Brandon Wheat Kings and Winnipeg Goldeyes, helps keep the program vibrant and connected to the communities it serves.

Together, they’re not only helping create safer school zones — they’re shaping generations of young Manitobans who look out for one another, model safe behaviour and take pride in making their communities better.

Are you considering starting a CAA School Safety Patrol program at your school? CAA Manitoba will provide you with all the tools you need to help keep your school community safe. Click here to learn more.