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| Last updated at 8:27 AM on 20/12/07 |
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Car dealer Dan Penney is offering stranded Newfoundlanders on the mainland cars to drive home for the holidays. — Photo by Rhonda Hayward/The Telegram |
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Car dealer wants to give stranded folks a lift 
Travel
BARB SWEET
The Telegram
Car dealer Dan Penney is offering to lend wheels to stranded Newfoundlanders so they can make it home for Christmas.
Penney said it all started when he helped an employee's relative who had gone to Halifax for medical treatment get home for the holidays by having them drive back a car he bought at auction.
Then fuelled by hearing reports of stranded travellers, he got the idea for a bigger gesture - buy late-model used cars at auction in various Canadian cities and arrange for stranded Newfoundlanders to drive them home. He's even offering to reimburse the drivers for their gas.
"It's all fresh, it's all new. It's only about two hours old," the Toyota Plaza dealer said Wednesday morning after phoning a local open-line show to inform stranded travellers' relatives of the offer.
The only catch for interested stranded travellers is that they must have a valid driver's licence, a clean abstract and must produce an airline ticket verifying they are indeed stranded - it's not a free ride home for those not plagued by travel delays.
He's willing to buy up to 40 cars at auctions currently taking place in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Moncton.
"From what I've heard, there are hundreds of people stranded all over Eastern Canada by flight cancellations," Penney said.
He said the cars could be purchased quickly and licence plates sent off by courier.
The travellers would have to make their own ferry arrangements.
Penney said Air Canada might get the people home after all, but if not, his offer stands to purchase up to 40 vehicles.
"I'm able to do it and I'm willing to do it," said Penney, who would sell the used cars in the new year.
If there's high demand, the people interested might have to be prioritized. For instance, anyone who left for medical reasons but was in jeopardy of not getting back for the holidays, would get priority.
As for the risks involved in putting nearly new cars in strangers' hands, Penney said he's willing to take the chance.
"It's a bit of a leap of faith, but one I'm prepared to take. You have to have some faith in human nature. ... If you can't get home for Christmas, it's really tough."
Penney said his only motive is to help people.
"This is not a promotional thing," he said.
Some staff at Toyota Plaza are fielding the calls.
bsweet@thetelegram.com
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20/12/07
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elaine stirling from montreal, quebec writes: Why am I not surprised that this story is coming out of Newfoundland - where else are the people so considerate and passionate about home and reaching out to others. I hope you all there have a wonderful holiday Elaine (Peyton) Stirling - formerly from Newfoundland and now living in Montreal.
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| Posted 20/12/2007 at 12:46 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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Ken O'Brien from St. John's, NL writes: Bravo, Mr. Penney. Every bit helps.
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| Posted 20/12/2007 at 12:50 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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Rob Wadman-Scanlan from Mt. Pearl, nl writes: This gesture by Mr. Penney does not surprise me one bit. I've leased three vehicles through his dealerships and have nothing but good to say about his staff and the service they provide. Hats off to you sir.
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| Posted 20/12/2007 at 4:28 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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Howse Michelle from St. John's, Nl writes: Cheers to Toyota- I was one of the many stuck in Montreal on Monday...and I'm sure there are many more who will appreciate the kind gestures. We were contacted by VOCM and there were persons in Montreal willing to open their doors at Xmas...they too were Newfoundlanders. Kind hearts and warm souls...we always know how to find out way home- no matter the method.
Merry Christmas!
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| Posted 20/12/2007 at 5:31 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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Lori H from Mt.Pearl, Newfoundland writes: Well all I can say is that Mr Penny certainly didn't have to go above and beyond like he has. I am sure that there will be many Newfoundlanders who will be home this hoiday thanks to the generosity of Penny. This just goes to show everyone that there are still people who think that family matters. I believe that Air Canada will suffer great finacial loss, and this makes me want to go to Penny to look at my next vehicle. Merry Christmas....thankfully
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| Posted 20/12/2007 at 9:47 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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Reg H from Ottawa, On writes: Hats off to Mr Penney. His gesture of kindness, trust and faith towards people is the true meaning and spirit of Christmas. Being from Newfoundland, I am not surprised that once again a Newfoundlander has come to the aid of fellow Newfoundlanders and anyone in need of support and help. Makes you PROUD to be a Newfoundlander.
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| Posted 20/12/2007 at 10:09 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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