Paying it forward — for James
People asked to buy people in line a coffee in memory of Norwood man killed in motorcycle crash
Buying a coffee for the next person in line, is something Canadians have been doing for years – only now, it has a name.
One For James is pay-it-forward initiative that was started by Jason Alexander in honour of his best friend, James Bidgood.
Bidgood, 36, died in February when his snowmobile collided with a car on County Rd. 45, north of Cobourg.
Alexander and Bidgood grew up together in Norwood and had been friends since they were 12 years old.
“We were kind of two peas in a pod – we were both considered what people would think to be the funny guys,” he said.
Alexander described Bidgood’s personality as infectious, someone who was always looking to make people feel good.
So it came as no surprise to their friends and family when the two boys got their driver licences and started buying the person in line behind them their cup of coffee.
Alexander, 37, was quick to point out that paying for the coffee for next person’s coffee wasn’t something they invented – it’s just a typical Canadian thing to do.
“Doing something small for people, it’s Canadian – it’s in our nature,” said Alexander.
About a month ago, Alexander, who drives a cab for Capital Taxi, shared the idea of One For James with his passenger, who happened to be on her way to work at Tim Hortons.
His story brought her to tears. Alexander said he felt bad and offered to pay for her fare.
He then had mixed feelings about the initiative and decided not to put his idea into motion.
But that all changed Friday, when he stopped at a Tims to get a coffee on his way home from work.
When he drove up to the drivethru window, the girl serving him turned out to be the one he had told his story to.
She insisted on paying for his coffee and when Alexander drove away he noticed “For James” with a heart written on the lid of his cup.
“It struck me for two reasons, one because I realized how good it made me feel, something so small, but secondly, it struck me because she wrote, “For James,” she remembered the story, which is cool,” said Alexander.
Before going to bed, Alexander posted a Facebook message about One For James with a photo of the cup.
By the time he woke up, the post had 300 likes and Alexander decided to run with it.
He created a Facebook page telling James’ story and opened a Twitter account to spread the word.
One For James has since gone viral, with people across the country tweeting messages and posting photos and notes on Facebook.
“It just keeps growing,” said Alexander, whose page now has more than 2,000 likes.
He said believes the reason One For James caught on is because people can relate.
“I think they identify with it because everyone has lost somebody that meant a lot to them and I think that’s why it strikes a cord.”
Alexander brought that first cup to Bidgood’s daughter, Maggie.
Bidgood is also survived by his wife Brooke and their two sons, Jesse and Griffin.
Alexander said Brooke is flabbergasted by One For James, and thinks it’s amazing.
“It’s kind of a cool legacy,” said Alexander, adding that he thinks James would think it’s amazing, too.