Operation Red Nose is looking for volunteers to help keep impaired motorists off the road this holiday season.
The organization, which offers rides to people who are under the influence, is launching this year's program on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. The program will continue on Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 22 and New Year's Eve.
"Volunteers are the heart and soul of Operation Red Nose and this is such a success story," said Chris Wilson, the Tri-City coordinator for the organization. "Last year, we had 139 volunteers in our community and gave almost 600 rides. As amazing as that was. we're still looking for more help."
Unlike taking a taxi home, Red Nose volunteers drive the impaired person and their vehicle wherever they need to go. The service is free, but donations to KidSport, a charity that helps connect young people with sporting opportunities in the community, is encouraged.
"The main focus is getting people home safely," Wilson said. "But we have a very generous community. Last year, our average donation was $30, which was the highest in the province."
Volunteers work in teams of three with two driving the client in the client's vehicle and the third following behind in their vehicle.
This year the Operation Red Nose will be taking clients to Burnaby and New Westminster as well.
In the 2011-12 holiday season, 4.241 Operation Red Nose volunteers provided 7,716 rides in 23 communities in B.C., driving 188,000 km to het people home safely.
Volunteers are asked to fill out a simple application and have a criminal record check done. Anyone interested in volunteering should email [email protected] or visit www.operationrednose.com.
