Operation Red Nose delivered 88 safe rides home during its opening weekend of the holiday season.
That's down from 113 during the same weekend last year, which in turn was well down from 131 rides during the campaign's first weekend in 2013.
“While it was a relatively quiet night in terms of rides, we had an enthusiastic group of volunteers who were ready to go at a moment’s notice,” said Operation Red Nose spokesperson Andrea Johnson.
“Everyone who called us for a ride, got one. It was also great to see so many new faces who answered the call to keep Prince George roads safe.”
Broken down further, on Friday night, volunteer teams provided 32 rides, travelling 1,622 kilometres on Friday night, compared to the 46 rides that teams delivered on the first night in 2014.
On Saturday, 16 teams delivered 56 rides, travelling 2,025 km, compared to the 67 rides that volunteers provided on ORN's second night in 2014.
So far, 183 people have signed up and there is still time to volunteer, especially since organizers expect more demand for rides as the holiday season gets busier.
Volunteer applications, which include a criminal record check form, are available online at www.ornpg.ca. Volunteers must be 19 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
Operation Red Nose is a free, seasonal designated driving service organized by the Rotary Club of Prince George - Nechako in partnership with the Prince George RCMP and ICBC.
It’s available on seven remaining nights, including Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 and New Year’s Eve.
