Following the success of their pioneer program, coordinators for Chaverim of Queens as well as local community members have called the program a huge accomplishment. 15 volunteers made themselves available throughout Purim to drive intoxicated (or otherwise unfit to drive persons) from wherever they were to their home. This program was put together 3 weeks before Purim to prevent drunk driving.
Word of the Purim program, sponsored by InterGen Health Home Care, spread quickly and within just a day of releasing the idea on YWN, Chaverim of Queens officials were contacted by groups as close as Brooklyn to Baltimore and as far as L.A. complimenting them on the great idea.
With the tremendous response from the volunteers, a significant number of people did call and use the service. Every caller was picked up from their location and driven home safely. One volunteer even drove 2 people from Queens to Brooklyn.
“What a tremendous Kiddush Hashem, I am so happy I volunteered” said one volunteer. “I never thought I would feel so good for doing such a simple thing”.
Chaverim of Queens coordinators were extremely satisfied with the response to, and the success of the program.
“Our hope is that by getting the word out to the public on the success of our pioneer program other communities will follow suit” said one of the program coordinators.
(YWN Desk – NYC)
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4 Responses
I disagree- the succes would have been not to have these guys get drunk in the first place.
Let’s be practical. The drinking isn’t going to change so fast so why not work with the issues at hand? Chaveirim of queens seems to have thought of a very practical way to work with the problem and keep the residents of queens safe on purim. All other communities with volunteer organizations like chaveirim should use this program to spearhead similar programs in their own neighborhoods.
Thank you queens chaveirim for your great work.
#1- First of all, many people hold that they are supposed to drunk on Purim. Secondly, whether or not you hold this way, the fact of the matter is that people will get drunk on Purim and if they feel like they have no option, they will attempt to drive themselves home. This program was successful in it’s mission to protect these drunk people and the rest of us sober people on the streets from the effects of drunk driving. How many people do you know personally that would give up their Purim to volunteer to drive these people? These people gave up whatever you spent your Purim doing whether it was just having a good time, spending family time, or visiting friends. These people didn’t mind letting these drunk people, strangers, into their car risking damage and a gross mess in their personal vehicle. I am extremely impressed with the selflessness of these volunteers and I am proud to be a part of a nation that steps up to the plate with creative, albeit not easy, initiatives to deal the reality of the issues that face our community. Thank you Chaverim of Queens and to the individual volunteers!
#2 and #3, very well said.