BACK IN THE SUMMER we told you about Joe Freeley (AKA Joe Maxi Taxis) a taxi driver from Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo who offered Leaving Cert students lifts home on their results night.
Freeley accepted no payment for the lifts, but asked for optional donations to Pieta House – and now, for Christmas, he’s made another kind and generous gesture.
Earlier this month, he put out a call on Facebook offering to bring a family finding Christmas difficult this year on a big festive day out:
Do you know a family who are finding circumstances difficult to celebrate Christmas? I am willing to take such a family on a day out to Castlebar/Sligo/Athlone for a few hours. PM me directly here on Facebook.
He soon found a family, who he says had a “sad and tough year” and wished to remain anonymous.
As news of Freeley’s gesture spread, the boot of his taxi was loaded up with Christmas decorations, hampers and presents for the family from kind locals:
And on Saturday, the big day arrived – Freeley took them to the nearby town of Ballina for a spot of Christmas shopping, a slap-up dinner, and a visit to Santa Claus.
https://www.facebook.com/jmaxitaxi/videos/10208161655303470/
Can’t see the video? Click here.
Freeley brought them back home safe and happy at the end of a lovely day – through him, they thanked everyone who had made it possible:
The family whom I had on our Christmas Day Out last Saturday have asked me to express their sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make it a day to remember… Words cannot express the gratitude I feel today when I think of what you all have done for a very special, deserving family.
The world needs more people like Joe Freeley. Christmas spirit is alive and well in Mayo <3
