A well-liked Mississauga man who was killed after being hit by a car in Etobicoke is being remembered by his friends for his positive outlook on life.

Amit Behal, 30, was on his way to work at TWI Foods when he was hit by a vehicle while crossing Kipling Avenue at Ronson Drive at 6:18 a.m., on November 7.

More than $30,000 has been raised for Behal’s family in a Go Fund Me page created by his co-workers, to help pay funeral costs and his family. He regularly sent money to his native India to help his parents and siblings.

“This fundraiser will raise some funds for his family so they know that the son they have lost is not alone here,” stated the Go Fund Me page. “He has a big loving family and we share all their grief and pain and stand shoulder to shoulder with them in this difficult time.”

The driver of the southbound grey Kia fled, but later returned to the scene, according to Toronto Police Traffic officers.

Behal was taken to Sunnybrook Hospital where he died on November 9.

TWI Foods vice-president Danish Kizilbash said Behal always had a “positive outlook,” and would send money to his parents and sister in India.

“He was a very friendly, loving and overall positive person, and anybody that talked to him would always get a good feeling,” said Kizilbash. “He would always say hello to everybody, shake their hand and he was somebody that everybody respected.”

Behal worked for TWI Foods for about five years on one of the company’s production lines.

Kizilbash said Behal was trying to build a new life in Canada. The company had planned to donate $20,000 to the fund.

Funeral arrangements haven’t yet been finalized.

Police are asking anyone with additional information to call the traffic services unit at 416-808-1900.

 

 

By Devin Meireles

As the holidays are approaching, the spirit of the season is spreading on Lakeshore.

Like a scene from a Christmas movie, three women did a good deed on their way to the bar when they helped reunite a missing puppy with its owner.

It was a Saturday evening on November 18th when their Uber dropped them off at the newly opened Long Branch Social House on 3595 Lakeshore Boulevard West. As they proceeded to the entrance, they encountered a distressed, straggly man searching for their landlord’s dog.

They offered to help and one of the ladies promptly posted a message on the South Etobicoke Community Group on Facebook. Anyone with information was directed to contact the man to which they received a call later that evening.

As luck would have it, the 4-month old beagle was found safe merely 300 metres down the street at T. J. O’Shea’s Irish Snug.

A staff member responded online to the message: “We found him and brought him home safe!!! Honestly best night of my life finding a puppy and getting to bring him home. He was right outside our restaurant.”

The pup’s name is Achilles and was brought back to their owner in a short time.

Meanwhile at the bar, the woman called the man to check in.

By that time he already found the dog safe and was thankful for their help. She shared an update with the good news: “The puppy has been found. Thanks, everyone!!!” presumably while toasting with their friends to a job well done.

The ladies surely had a good time noting there were tasty drinks with exceptional service to complement their good deed.

The holiday spirit will carry on at the Long Branch Social House as they are hosting a Christmas Market every weekend until December 24th. The Market will run 12-8pm with booths of local vendors.

Social media was busy with chatter about the lost now found Achilles.

“We found him and brought him home safe,” wrote Meagan Larman. “Honestly best night of my life finding a puppy and getting to bring him to his owners.”

“Sorry I got excited and thought you were the owner,” said Jolanta Mycvhajl. “Honestly I was so excited to find the little guy.”

“Not gonna lie and was a little bummed when the owner picked up the call right away was hoping for a sleep over,” she wrote.

“That’s amazing! Thank you so much,” wrote Lauren Bonnevie Macari. “The owner was walking down the street looking for him and didn’t have this group so I posted it. I’m so glad it all worked out.”

Achilles and his owner were both happy and had a joyful reunion.