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LETTER: Good Samaritan helps those stuck at ferry

I would like to give a shout out to Jesse Couture of Couture Homes Ltd of North Saanich. I was one of a multitude of ferry passengers who were stuck at Swartz Bay terminal the evening of Feb. 10 during the storm. During conflicting news of taxi availability and bus arrivals, which never came, Jesse left the safety and comfort of his home and family to go to the terminal and offer rides to stranded travelers.

I would like to give a shout out to Jesse Couture of Couture Homes Ltd of North Saanich. I was one of a multitude of ferry passengers who were stuck at Swartz Bay terminal the evening of Feb. 10 during the storm. During conflicting news of taxi availability and bus arrivals, which never came, Jesse left the safety and comfort of his home and family to go to the terminal and offer rides to stranded travelers. Myself and four others were fortunate enough to be offered a ride by Jesse to basically anywhere we needed to go.

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While we waited for news on taxi or bus arrivals Jesse was thoughtful enough to offer rides to the elderly and parents with young kids first. My turn came around 9:30 p.m. when he approached us to offer a ride. We were of course thrilled as we headed to his four-wheel drive work truck with room for all. Several of us tried to offer money but Jesse wouldn’t accept.

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As I write this, Jesse is on his way back to the terminal to see who else he can help. This is my way of paying him back to let others know of what a great person he is and no doubt also a great businessman and home builder. Thank you Jesse.

Douglas MacDonald

Esquimalt