of the Thunder Bay Wayne Toyota dealership. My wife and I were driving

my son from Sault Ste. Marie to Lakehead University this past Friday

when our car broke down just past Nipigon.We were towed to the Toyota

dealership in Thunder Bay, where we were given the bad news that the engine

was damaged beyond repair and considering the age of our car (a 1995

Camry) and the cost of replacing the motor, my wife and I made the difficult

decision to scrap the car.

It was 4:30 p.m. on a Friday, half-an-hour before the dealership was to

close for the long weekend.We didn’t know what to do, we were unfamiliar

with Thunder Bay and had to get my son to Lakehead University, where he

was to get the key to his townhouse. When Joe heard about our bad luck he

told us not to worry that he would help us. When the dealership closed at 5

p.m., for more than two and a half hours this wonderful, kind-hearted man

drove three strangers, down on their luck, to see that we were looked after.

We were driven to the university where my son Andrew checked in and

unloaded his luggage, then to a nearby grocery store so we could purchase

groceries and then back to the university. Every time I apologized for imposing,

I was re-assured by Joe not to worry and to take our time.

My wife and I were then driven back to the dealership where we were assured

by Joe that he would take care of the disposal of the vehicle for us.We

were then driven to the Greyhound terminal to purchase tickets for the bus

leaving for Sault Ste. Marie at 9 o’clock that night. Lastly, Joe dropped us off

at the mall across the street so that we could have a bite to eat before heading

home.

Thank you, Joe. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

THE CHRONICLE-JOURNAL-

Saturday, September 12, 2009