Prince George might not be a winter wonderland just yet, but Operation Red Nose is already preparing for the holiday season and is looking for volunteers to round out its roster.
"We're putting the call out to come and party with us, you'll have a great time, meet some new people and you'll have fun keeping Prince George roads safe," Operation Red Nose spokeswoman Andrea Johnson said at a launch event Wednesday morning at the ICBC office on 15th Ave.
Every year, the service provides more 1,000 safe rides home for people in Prince George who feel they're not fit to drive home after enjoying holiday festivities. Volunteers work in teams of three to ensure clients and their vehicles get safely home from parties and other gatherings.
"They meet a lot of fun people from students to business people," Johnson said of the volunteer experience.
Organizers are hoping to get 350 volunteers in order to meet the anticipated demand - so far 142 people have been signed up to help out this year.
RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saundersond said the service is one option people can use to ensure they get home safe from their holiday festivities.
"We certainly want to see everyone who goes out to party and enjoy themselves comes home alive and safe," she said. "The only option that should not be available to anybody is drinking and driving."
Volunteer shifts run from 8 p.m to 3 a.m. At the beginning of each shift volunteers will receive an orientation and then will be deployed to calls as they come in.
One volunteer from each group drives the pilot vehicle, one drives the client's vehicle and one acts as the navigator. The teams are given directions to the pick up and drop off locations through maps on a smart phone.
Those interested in volunteering can go to ornpg.ca to fill out an application. All volunteers must be at least 19 years old, have a valid driver's licence and complete a criminal background check application.
"If people want, they can indicate who they want to volunteer with," Johnson said.
Operation Red Nose will being offering its service on Nov. 29 and Nov. 30. It will staff volunteers on the first three Friday and Saturday nights in December as well as New Year's Eve.
The demand for volunteers increases as the season progresses. Johnson expects the service will deploy between 10 and 15 teams on the opening weekend but will have up to 35 teams on call on New Year's Eve.
Although the service is free, clients are encouraged to donate to Operation Red Nose when they get a ride. The money raised goes to support local youth and amateur sports organization in Prince George.
