In one of the surest signs of the change of seasons, Operation Red Nose has put out the annual call for volunteers.
The free designated driver service, organized by the Rotary club of Prince George Nechako with the RCMP and ICBC, allows party goers and their vehicle to get home safely.
About 350 volunteers are required to keep local roads safe during the holiday season, said Operation Red Nose spokesperson Andrea Johnson. "We couldn't have the success that we do without the amazing support of our volunteers who work so tirelessly," she said. "They are fun and an amazing group of people who come back year after year."
The 2013 campaign will mark the 15th year of the service in Prince George where a team of road volunteers will pick up clients and drive them home in their own vehicle.
Volunteers can be designated drivers, navigators or work at Operation Red Nose headquarters. On average, 15 teams of three will be on call each night, working from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 and Dec. 31.
In 2012, Operation Red Nose volunteers provided 1,084 safe rides home over nine nights,which was the second-best local season ever. The most rides provided was in 2010, with 1,123.
Volunteers must be 19 years old, have a valid driver's licence and need to fill out a criminal record check form. Application and record check forms are available online at www.ornpg.ca.
