A group of volunteers in the US state of Montana is gaining widespread attention for rewarding motorists who make the responsible decision not to drive after drinking.
Known as the "Montana Bar Fairies", the volunteers leave US$5 coffee gift cards under the windscreen wipers of vehicles left overnight outside bars, thanking drivers for choosing a safer way home instead of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
What may initially appear to be a parking ticket turns out to be a small gesture of appreciation enough to buy a coffee the next morning after collecting the vehicle.
The initiative has grown from a simple act of kindness into a nationwide campaign promoting responsible drinking, stronger laws against driving under the influence (DUI), and support for families affected by alcohol-related crashes.
On its website, the non-profit organisation said: "What started as a small act of kindness leaving coffee gift cards on cars left overnight at Flathead Valley, Montana bars has grown into a nationwide movement advocating for stronger DUI laws and supporting families affected by drunk driving tragedies."
The campaign relies entirely on volunteers, many of whom sacrifice their weekends to distribute the gift cards in the early hours of the morning.
Volunteers Jesse, Beverly, Grace and Kate recently attracted more than 140,000 views on TikTok after documenting their efforts during the Whitefish Winter Carnival, where they rewarded patrons who opted to take taxis home instead of driving.
In another community initiative, volunteers Tim and Kelly placed coffee vouchers on eight vehicles left overnight outside bars in Polson. Their video highlighting the campaign amassed more than 2.5 million views on social media, with many users praising the idea as a creative way to encourage responsible behaviour.
Meanwhile, volunteers Shannon and Brittainy distributed 20 coffee gift cards worth a combined US$100 to drivers in Kalispell who had chosen not to drive after drinking.
Supporters of the initiative say the campaign is not only about rewarding responsible decisions but also about changing attitudes toward drunk driving through positive reinforcement rather than punishment alone.
As the movement continues to gain momentum online, organisers hope the simple gesture will inspire more people to plan ahead, choose a designated driver or arrange alternative transport after a night out, helping to reduce alcohol-related crashes and save lives.