Starting next weekend, holiday revellers can get home safely — and help some Tri-City kids play the sports they love — by calling Operation Red Nose.
The volunteer program, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, will be running weekends from Nov. 27 to Dec. 31. It's also offering a new mobile app for iPhones and Android phones, complete with a programmable alarm reminder that it's time to call ORN, to make it even easier for people to stay safe this season.
"They save the day," said ICBC spokesperson Kathleen Nadalin of ORN and its legion of volunteers. "They help people celebrate the season, enjoy the time with family and friends, and then get home safe.
"And it can't happen without the volunteers who are giving up a good night's sleep to do it."
This year, the group is looking for some 300 volunteers to service the Tri-Cities, Burnaby and New Westminster, said Chris Wilson, who represents ORN and is also a Coquitlam city councillor, noting the organization depends on volunteers to take calls, dispatch drivers, pick up party-goers and drive them home.
Drivers are sent out in teams of three — two who drive the client home in their own vehicle and a third who follows in a separate vehicle.
"So not only are you getting home safely but your car is also getting home safely," Wilson said.
Despite the lack of sleep, volunteers often report a festive evening in which many new "best friends" are made, Wilson added with a chuckle.
Cost of the ride is a donation to KidSport, an organization that helps kids from lower-income families participate in sports; last year more than $34,000 was raised in this region for KidSport.
"It's an opportunity to level the playing field for those families who can't afford it," said Wilson, a former Olympic wrestler. "Kids learn so many great things through sports, and when they don't have a chance to play, they miss out on so many things."
Another milestone for ORN this year will be welcoming its two millionth client somewhere across Canada, likely on Nov. 28.
• ORN operates Friday and Saturday nights from Nov. 27 to Dec. 19 and on Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. by calling 778-866-6673 (NOSE). Volunteers are welcomed throughout the season (a criminal record check is required); download the form at www.operationrednosetricities.com.
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