UK/Europe Region

TWO UK/EUROPE REGION EMPLOYEES PUBLISH CHILDREN’S BOOKS FOCUSED ON RAIL SAFETY

ARLO’S ADVENTURES THERE AND BACK

WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY AMY (BESSIE) MATTHEWS

Bessie Matthews, a train driver for Freightliner UK, recently wrote and illustrated a children’s book on rail safety. The book, titled Arlo’s Adventures There and Back, follows little badger Arlo on his journey to see his friends who live in a town two stops away on the train. It’s Arlo’s first time traveling on the railway by himself, and he must make some very critical decisions throughout the day. The book, aimed at younger children, highlights the possible “consequences of certain actions on or near the railway, while raising awareness amongst parents/guardians of the potential dangers.”

All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Railway Children charity, which has been fighting for children

alone and at risk on the streets for over 25 years. G&W’s UK/Europe Region is a joint sponsor of the book and has made 2,000 copies available to G&W employees for free. In return, employees were asked to donate to Railway Children. Matthews has been an avid supporter and advocate for showcasing the career opportunities for women in rail, as well as supporting the Samaritans UK charity and other rail-related charities through fundraising activities.

Bessie Matthews

MEET KLASIK

(POZNAJCIE KLASIKA)

WRITTEN BY JUSTYNA WYKA, ILLUSTRATED BY LUDMILA BAGINSKA

Freightliner Poland also published a children’s book on rail safety and railroads to coincide with 2022 Children’s Day in June. Written by HR Manager Justyna Wyka in consultation with a group of Freightliner Poland employees, with illustrations by Ludmila Baginska, the book was inspired by their own children’s questions about the railroad. The book tells the story of a Class 66 locomotive named Klasik and helps to familiarize children with the safety rules for railroads, as well as showcasing professions in the rail industry. The authors wanted to highlight the different professions of the railroad and the role they play in company operations to inspire a new generation of railway workers. The publication of the book is an extension of Freightliner Poland’s Safe Preschooler campaign. This program provides reflective vests to kindergarten classes, ensuring children’s visibility on the road during walks and excursions. A look at some of the illustrations in “Meet Klasik.”

UK/Europe Region

Josiah’s Wish: Freightliner Team Makes 5-Year-Old’s Wish Come True

On September 20, the Freightliner team at Southampton Maritime Maintenance Department (SMMD) had the privilege of making a 5-year-old’s dream come true. In collaboration with Make-A-Wish UK, Josiah, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma earlier this year, was granted his wish to be a freight train driver for the day.

Josiah and his family were invited to ride in a Class 70 locomotive named “Josiah’s Wish” in his honor. He had a fantastic day, and was clearly delighted by the day’s activities, as well as gifts of personalized PPE, model Freightliner locomotives and a cuddly stuffed badger dressed as Arlo, the main character of Arlo’s Adventures There and Back. Sophia Strickland-Clark from Make-A-Wish UK said: “I just want to say an enormous thank you for everything you did for Josiah and his family yesterday. Emma (Josiah’s mum) is so incredibly grateful and said he had the best day of his life. Thank you again for your incredible generosity in making his wish come true.” A big thank you to everyone involved in making this such a special day for Josiah, who is now in remission!

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. 20 West Avenue Darien, Connecticut 06820

Address Service Requested