Dear Vancouver Tourism Awards,

I feel compelled to write you, as I am still in shock from the wonderful experience I had at your airport yesterday.

After a long (delayed) flight from New York and almost an hour in the customs lineup, I arrived in Vancouver exhausted. As I finally made my way to the exit, I was unable to any porters or luggage carts. Unfortunately, while walking I twisted my ankle.

Inch by inch, I limped along, pausing to read the signs in your arrivals lounge. As I was still gasping for breath, a gentleman approached me. He kindly asked if he could assist me. I read the badge on his jacket and realized I was speaking to Geoff from Star Limousine Service.

He immediately noticed my distressed state and offered to go borrow a wheelchair from one of his acquaintances with one of the cruise lines. He prompted got me seated and told me that the flight he was to meet was delayed for 20 minutes; so he would be only too pleased to wheel me (and my luggage) to wherever I needed to be. At this stage, I told him that I needed a limousine to take me to my hotel. He promptly called his office only to discover that his company had no available cars. (What a pity.)

Undaunted, he proceeded to wheel me out to a line of limousines and instructed a driver to drop me off at the front door of my hotel (as I had hurt my ankle). At this stage, Geoff was fully aware that there was no business to be had from me, but continued to pamper and assist me. Even his competitor’s driver (a very rude man) was completely shocked.

After a hair-raising ride to my hotel, this chauffeur rudely deposited me at my hotel. My only solace was knowing that Geoff had received a tip from me and my eventual driver did not.

When we pay for a service, we expect to receive a good experience. However, when someone from out of the blue caters to us as like a perfect gentleman (knowing full well that he is not going to receive any business from us) that is very special. Here is to Geoff and Star Limousine Service—proof that chivalry is still alive and well!

Nominator’s name and address:

Joyce Allen
New York, New York
USA