Paying It Forward at Christmastime

Paying It Forward at Christmastime

Michelle Pinon NewsAdvertiser

In an age when Facebook posts only get a quick passing glance, there’s one in particular that has caught the eye of several local residents.

The message was from Jason Tkachuk, a man with a big heart who wrote the following on Nov.26th: “In every community we have people that stand out. Maybe it’s a Baba that ensures others are fed and cared for while she goes without. Or a middle aged couple caring for young kids and elderly parents and just trying to keep their heads above water. On occasion health issues can complicate matters. Many people give without ever expecting a return. We find in these situations their vehicle, which they need suffers and can place them in a tricky situation should it fail them or break down .”

So in the spirit of the season, the local business owner offered to help good samaritans in the community by offering some tender loving care (TLC) to their vehicle. “Basically whatever the car needs that we can do at the shop (Jiffy Lube) is all for free.” Tkachuk said the idea came to him while attending a gas convention. He said he was pleasantly surprised by the number of people who read the post, 6,500 in total, and very gratified by the positive response.

Jason Tkachuk, left, poses with Pay It Forward recipients Miles and Cory Clarke.

Michelle Pinon/photo

Tkachuk explained that Miles, his first recipient, is a member of a Facebook group which he belongs to, had mentioned that he’s run on some hard times trying to drive his wife back and forth from cancer treatments in the city while trying to work fulltime at the same time. “He was asking people in the group if he could collect bottles just to get some pocket money.” He went onto say some bottles that were left out for Miles were stolen, so he decided then and there to message him and tell him to bring his vehicle by.

“We did the transmission, oil change, filters, wipers and I washed it for him.” Tkachuk estimates the retail bill was between $500 and $600 dollars. Even though Miles wasn’t a customer, Tkachuk said he just wanted to do something friendly. “After talking to a few other people we decided to continue with it during the month of December. “It’s gone over really well.” He is extremely happy with the positive feedback and has received several other nominations since his original post.

The second recipient Tkachuk chose is a volunteer and good samaritan with some health issues. He said her 14-year-old vehicle with over 250,000 kilometres was also in need of some TLC. “She seemed like a worthy recipient.” Tkachuk was referring to Vegreville resident Lois Bienvenue. Admittedly, when she first listened to the recorded phone message from Tkachuk she thought it was a scam. However, after talking with Jason, she decided to take him up on his offer.

Bienvenue said the offer was very generous, and she was excited about the prospect of her vehicle getting some TLC as she travels throughout Alberta and British Columbia to attend arts and crafts shows. The artist said she does travel on occasion throughout the night, and said the thorough servicing of her vehicle definitely gives her more peace of mind.

“I’m a giver, and I am learning to receive,” said Bienvenue, who spends countless hours visiting and assisting long term care residents with activities. “When it comes back to you, it makes a person want to return the favour.” She even takes time out on Christmas day to visit the residents. The way the residents faces “light up” when they see her is all the payback she needs. “It touches my heart and makes my Christmas special.” Bienvenue encourages everyone to pay it forward. Even if a person doesn’t have enough financial resources to share, she said simply smiling, opening a door or saying hi to a stranger is a great way to do just that.