If Prince George party-goers need a safe ride home this weekend, Operation Red Nose will be ready to answer their calls.
The designated driving service will swarm the city with an army of volunteer road teams as its 2015 season gets underway on Friday and Saturday nights.
"We'll have between 16 to 20 teams out on the road each night between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.," said Operation Red Nose spokesperson Andrea Johnson. "That should allow us to keep up with the demand we expect on opening weekend. Last year, we delivered 46 rides on night one and another 67 on night two."
Those who need a safe ride home can call 250-962-RIDE (7433) and a team of volunteers will not only pick them up, but drive their vehicle home as well.
As of Wednesday, 168 people have signed on to volunteer in 2015, and Johnson said at least 150 more are needed to meet the expected demand for rides during the seven remaining nights the service will be available during the holiday season.
Besides this weekend, Operation Red Nose will be in service Dec. 4 and 5, Dec. 11 and 12, Dec. 18 and 19 and New Year's Eve.
Volunteer positions include escort drivers, navigators and designated drivers or answering clients' calls inside headquarters at the ICBC claim centre.
To volunteer, go to www.ornpg.ca, fill out the online application and take it to the Prince George RCMP detachment at 455 Victoria St. Volunteers must be 19 years old, have a valid driver's license and undergo a criminal record check.
Entering its 18th season, the free, seasonal service is organized by the Rotary Club of Prince George – Nechako, in partnership with the RCMP and ICBC.
In 2014, 1,123 safe rides home in nine nights were provided, which ranked Prince George second overall out of 13 communities in B.C. It equaled the total set in 2010, the best-ever to date.
Last year, the 10,000th ride in the 17-year history of the service in Prince George was also delivered, which occurred just before midnight on New Year's Eve.
For more information call volunteer co-ordinator Karen Toombs at 250-961-6465.
