Operation Red Nose volunteers showed their colours on Monday to kick off its 2015 campaign in Prince George.
Clad in their trademark red vests, volunteers from the organizing committee, along with Rudy, Operation Red Nose's mascot, got together for an informal gathering to wave at morning traffic at the corner of Ferry and Ospika and to thank Vista Radio for its ongoing support.
"With 12 days left before the first safe rides home are delivered, so far about 110 people have signed up to help us out," said Operation Red Nose spokesperson Andrea Johnson. "We'd still like to have about 250 more to ensure we can meet the demand for rides that we expect."
Prince George is among 104 communities across Canada in seven provinces that offer the service. This year will mark the two millionth ride since the beginning of the program 31 years ago.
Entering its 18th season in Prince George, the free, seasonal service, organized by the Rotary Club of Prince George - Nechako, in partnership with the RCMP and ICBC, allows party-goers to not only get themselves home safely, but their vehicles too. The service is available on nine nights during the holiday season to those who do not feel fit to drive.
On average, about 15 road teams of three will be on call each night of service, working from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. This year, Operation Red Nose will be in service Nov. 27 and 28, Dec. 4 and 5, Dec. 11 and 12, Dec. 18 and 19 and New Year's Eve.
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.
To volunteer, go online to
www.ornpg.ca, fill out the online form, print it out and drop it off at the community policing office at the Prince George RCMP detachment at 455 Victoria St.
Those who require more information about how they can help are asked to call volunteer co-ordinator Karen Toombs at 250-961-6465.
