Rudy's shiny nose is officially lit for the 2022 holiday season and is hoping it can be a reminder for party-goers in the Tri-Cities to always plan for a safe ride home.
Operation Red Nose (ORN) officially launched its 27th annual road safety campaign across B.C. today (Nov. 10), which continues to call for volunteers to join its fleet.
The organization is set to offer its by-donation service every weekend in December, except for Christmas Eve and Day (Dec. 24 and 25), for local residents that need a ride after a festive night out.
This includes:
- Dec. 2 and 3
- Dec. 9 and 10
- Dec. 16 and 17
- Dec. 31 (New Year's Eve)
"We're excited to welcome back the program in many B.C. communities this year, with thanks to the dedicated volunteers across the province," said Robin Bell, ICBC road safety program manager, in a release. ICBC partners with ORN each year to bring awareness to the campaign.
"These types of community programs help make our roads safer for everyone by offering drivers and passengers another way to get home safely. We want everyone to enjoy the holiday season responsibly. If your celebrations involve alcohol, please make sure to plan ahead for a safe ride home."
How it works
After two unusual years, ORN is making a full comeback as loyal volunteers will be slipping on the iconic red vest and hit the roads in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
Drivers pick up passengers that have requested a ride from their party and drive them home in their own vehicles, while another driver follows them to take the volunteers to the next ride.
Volunteer drivers are set to operate between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. during each scheduled night.
Tri-Cities home destinations are preferred as communities considered out-of-reach for ORN may include Vancouver, Surrey, Langley and Mission.
"While we are not able to take reservations, if you call two hours before you need to be picked up, we should be able to get to you within that time," ORN Tri-Cities' website reads.
"It's recommended that you have a back-up plan too, in case we're not able to meet all of the demand."
Where do donations go?
ORN's Tri-Cities branch typically raises around $20,000 each year from donors and party-goers.
The money is earmarked for KidSport Tri-Cities as it helps provide grants for families to pay for sport registration fees.
In 2020, a total of $16,176 was collected from 436 rides for children and families involved with KidSport's programs.
The number for local party-goers to request an ORN Tri-Cities driver is 778-866-6673.
For more information, and to learn how to become a volunteer, you're encouraged to visit ORN's website or email them directly at tricitiesorn@gmail.com.
