Operation Red Nose volunteers will be in the Christmas spirit as they fan out across Prince George starting tonight, delivering safe rides home to party-goers on its first weekend of service of the 2014 holiday season.
Those who require a safe ride home can call 250-962-RIDE (7433) between 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. tonight and Saturday night.
"We'll have between 16 to 18 teams of dedicated volunteers on call this weekend," said Operation Red Nose spokesperson Andrea Johnson. "They'll be working in groups of three ensuring party-goers not only get home safely, but their vehicles too."
Besides this weekend, Operation Red Nose will be in service Dec. 5 and 6, Dec. 12 and 13, Dec. 19 and 20 and New Year's Eve.
The free, seasonal service, is organized by the Rotary Club of Prince George - Nechako, in partnership with the RCMP and ICBC. It's available to anyone who does not feel fit to drive.
So far, about 189 volunteers have registered to keep Prince George roads safe. Johnson said the ideal number of volunteers is 450 this year due to the increased demand of rides that are expected this year, especially on New Year's Eve.
"Without the support of volunteers, we wouldn't exist," said Johnson. "We have amazing volunteers who return year after year and without their devotion, we would not be as successful as we are. They're saving lives."
There is still time to become a volunteer this year by simply going online to www.ornpg.ca where a form can be filled out. Print it off and take it to the Prince George RCMP detachment at 455 Victoria St., along with your driver's license.The application process includes a criminal record check.
So far, 9,049 safe rides home have been given in the 16-year history of the designated driving service and expects to deliver its 10,000 ride by New Year's Eve.
Last year, 258 volunteers provided 1,008 safe rides home in nine nights, which ranked Prince George third overall out of 13 communities in B.C.
