Operation Red Nose campaign begins Friday

Operation Red Nose kicks off its 2010 campaign this weekend.

Fourteen teems of three will be out on Friday night and 19 teams on Saturday night will be volunteering to not only take party-goers home, but their vehicles too.

Between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., party-goers can call 250-962-RIDE (7433) to get the volunteer service, organized by the Rotary Club of Prince George - Nechako in partnership with the RCMP and ICBC.

Because of the tougher drinking and driving regulations, Operation Red Nose increased the number of teams who are working opening weekend.

"In 2009, we only had five teams out on opening night but this year, our goal is to give 1,000 rides and we needed to boost the number of teams," said Operation Red Nose spokesperson Andrea Johnson.

Earlier this fall, Operation Red Nose, entering its 13th season, put out a call to the community asking for 300 volunteers, and people have responded.

As of Nov. 23, 217 volunteers have been approved for the 2010 season, while another 72 have submitted their criminal record checks and are waiting to be cleared.

"We really appreciate those people who have stepped up and are helping us out," said Johnson. "Right now, if you still want to volunteer, the only night we need help with is New Year's Eve. We have 17 teams right now, but will probably need to double that to deal with the demand we are expecting."

This year, Operation Red Nose will be in service on nine nights - Nov. 26 and 27, Dec. 3 and 4, Dec. 10 and 11, Dec. 17 and 18 and New Year's Eve - working from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Those who want to volunteer for New Year's Eve can pick up criminal record check forms that are available at the Community Policing Office on 575 Brunswick Street or at 94XFM and The Wolf radio stations.

Those who require more information about volunteering, can call volunteer co-ordinator Heather Spicer, 250-963-0279 or 250-613-6947.