Operation Red Nose sets New Year's Eve boundaries

A smaller-than-desired volunteer list means Operation Red Nose has to put some restrictions on this year's New Year's Eve service.

According to spokesperson Andrea Johnson, the safe-ride service won't be shuttling clients and their vehicles outside of city limits past 11:30 p.m. on Thursday since there are currently only 29 teams available to hit the road.

"From 11:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. our teams will remain within city limits with some discretion to pick up and drop off clients," Johnson said. "On New Year's Eve in 2014, we didn't get to 40 people who requested rides because we were so backed up. This year we want to ensure we can provide as many safe rides home as possible without much delay."

Operation Red Nose is a volunteer-run designated driving services available on nine nights of the holiday season organized by the Nechako Rotary Club in partnership with the RCMP and ICBC.

After eight nights this season, Operation Red Nose in Prince George has provided 850 safe rides home, travelling 24,020 kilometres.

If more volunteers come forward and more road teams are available, organizers can make a decision as to how far the teams will travel, said Johnson.

Tuesday is the last day for new volunteers to sign up. If they apply online at ornpg.ca, fill out the forms, print them off and taken them to the RCMP detachment on Victoria Street, the RCMP will process the applications and mandatory criminal record checks. Volunteers will be called on the next morning to confirm their roles.

To qualify, volunteers must be at least 19 years old and have a valid driver's licence.