Chris Halliday
Orangeville resident Narinder Paul Singh has committed to offer people rides home from bars on Friday and Saturday nights in an effort to eliminate drunk driving in town.
To accomplish that goal, Singh has launched what he has called Orangeville Against Drunk Driving. Through the initiative, Singh has committed to offer people rides home from local bars or pubs on Friday and Saturday nights free of charge.
“I’m going to make it an organization like MADD,” Singh told The Banner. “I want to do something for the community I’m living in. I love this town. I love the people of this town. That is why I’m here.”
Partnering with TSN Towing and Bristol Car and Truck Rentals, Singh tested his initiative out on New Year’s Eve. He officially launched the campaign last weekend.
“Every year people make commitments on New Year’s Eve,” Singh said. “I started my year helping other people. That is a nice way to start.”
Last Friday (Jan. 22), Singh visited several bars in town to inform them about the service. As a result, he said more than 100 people were given free rides home on both Friday and Saturday nights.
With about 30 years of experience in the industry, Singh has driven cabs in Toronto, Halifax and Orangeville. He is currently the owner of Call-A-Limo.
At this point, Singh says he is funding the Orangeville Against Drunk Driving campaign on his own. A few local businesses have already expressed interest in helping him out.
“We’re trying to extend it to seven days a week,” Singh said, encouraging any interested volunteers to come forward and help “in whichever way they can.”
“It is not a one-man job. It is not my job. It is a collective thing for the town,” he said. “One man can’t do everything.”
Anybody wishing to volunteer or anyone who needs a ride home from the bar on Friday or Saturday night can contact Singh by calling 519-943-4900, via email at [email protected] or by sending a text to 226-200-2007.
“This community-based project needs your support,” Singh recently posted on Facebook. “It is my desire that no one is charged driving drunk in Orangeville this year.”
Source: Orangeville Banner