A message from Mayor Morrison regarding how you can get home safe over the holidays….
2013 Home James Program
The holiday season is highlighted by time with family and friends; a season of sharing, enjoying each other’s company and festive celebration. Sometimes these festivities include the consumption of alcohol; often times a part of the traditional holiday celebration.
Most of us decide, in advance, who the designated driver will be, usually in our household, I take on that responsibility. Sometimes however, a designated driver may not be available and, not so long ago, there were very few alternatives for partygoers to get home safely. Times have changed however and now, in our town, we have the option of calling “Home James” – a community designated driver program.
“Home James” is a program in Caledon led by representatives from local service clubs and enthusiastic volunteers from our community. John and I will be volunteering with the program again this year because we believe it is a safer, wiser alternative to drinking and driving. But it’s more than just alcohol that impairs your driving skills, fatigue, medications and sometimes even stress can diminish your ability to drive. If you’re unsure, call “Home James” this holiday season.
This is a not-for-profit program that enlists community volunteers to drive you home from the party, in your own car. All the volunteer drivers meet strict screening and driver care criteria by the “Home James” team, thereby ensuring the safety of you and your family members. “Home James” is a free service but donations are, of course, welcomed from appreciative users of the service. I would personally, heartily encourage any donation to support this terrific service since funds raised are donated back to the community for youth and special needs programs.
The 2013 “Home James” holiday season program begins on November 22 and runs every Friday and Saturday evening from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. It also runs on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. I hope you have a very joyous and happy holiday season and I encourage you to be responsible – if you’re not sure about your ability to drive home safely – call “Home James” at 905.951.9000 over the holidays…..
