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Member Profile: Home James Caledon
Tis the season to get home safely

Tis the season to get home safely with HomeJames Caledon, a free designated driver service. Originally part of Operation Red Nose, Home James Caledon was founded in 2012 by Stan Janes and Diane Tolstoy from Bolton Rotary. They have been a Volunteer MBC member organization since 2018. 

HomeJames-Caledon provides a free ride home in a client’s own vehicle removing the risks created by driver impairment, however caused. Over the years, they have helped almost 5,000 passengers arrive to their destination safely. They are confidential, non-judgemental and focused on keeping the roads of Caledon as safe as possible.

‘Everyone that volunteers for HomeJames is there for their own reasons but we all have the same goal, to keep the roads safe. In all the years we have been running there hasn’t been an impaired fatality on the nights Home James is running. Our goal is to raise awareness and try to change people’s ways of getting home when they have been driving. Even if Home James isn’t running, we hope that people make an effort to get home safely and keep the roads safe too.”

HomeJames Caledon is a division of the Community Designated Drivers Association. Drivers can request a HomeJames ride through their app, using the Request a Ride feature of their website, or by calling their communication centre. They have the full support of Caledon OPP and the Town of Caledon, both holding nights where councillors and off-duty officers volunteer their time.

“Home James is only possible if we have volunteers. Even if you only do one night that will make a difference. Home James is a purely volunteer run organization, there isn’t any money used to pay for someone’s time. All of the money that is raised during the campaign goes back into the community. We are very lucky to have amazing sponsors and grants to support us.”

Home James runs within the Town of Caledon area. This year they have 142 active volunteers. Operating from November 22nd to December 31st, as well as some summer events, they have a variety of volunteer opportunities. Please click here to view a list of available positions.

Marilyn Braun
Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Volunteer MBC