Operation Red Nose, the volunteer-led organization that provides a safe ride home to holiday party-goers, needs more volunteers to run their 2018 campaign.
So far, only 45 people have signed up as volunteer drivers, but the organization's goal is to have 300 volunteers to meet the demand for rides, especially on New Year’s Eve.
Operation Red Nose will be promoting their 2018 campaign during the Nov. 9 Spruce Kings game.
The Operation Red Nose mascot, along with local RCMP and ICBC members, will drop the puck at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena when the Spruce Kings play the Langley Rivermen at 7 p.m.
During the game, Operation Red Nose volunteers will be at the area to promote the program to Spruce Kings fans and answer any questions.
“The Spruce Kings have been avid supporters of our program for years, and we’re grateful to them for partnering with us to officially launch our campaign tonight as honorary chairs,” said Andrea Johnson, Operation Red Nose spokesperson, in a press release.
“We, in turn, have supported and sponsored various Spruce Kings initiatives and programs, including sponsoring youth to attend their summer hockey school with donations we’ve received from Red Nose clients.”
The safe-ride-home service is by donation and the donations that Operation Red Nose receives from users stay in Prince George and go directly to local youth and amateur sports organizations.
Operation Red Nose is organized by the Rotary Club of Prince George-Nechako and has been operating in the community for 21 years.
In 2017, 838 rides were given in nine nights; in 2016, the organization gave 872 rides in nine nights and 1,059 rides in 2015.
This year, Operation Red Nose will be in service Nov. 30, Dec. 1, Dec. 7 and 8, Dec. 14 and 15, 21, 22 and New Year's Eve. 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.
Who can volunteer?
Volunteers must be 19 years old and have a valid driver's licence. They can be part of a road team of three or work behind the scenes answering phones at Operation Red Nose headquarters.
All new volunteers, or those who have less than three years’ experience with Operation Red Nose, will have to fill out the standard application that includes a criminal record check.
They must print it out and take it, along with their driver's licence, to the RCMP's main detachment on Victoria Street. Volunteers will then be called by the RCMP if they have cleared the criminal record check.
Volunteers can apply online at www.ornpg.ca or drop into 2276 Nicholson St.
