The first weekend of the safe ride service Operation Red Nose was a success, easily breaking last year's record fundraising totals.
In 2013 volunteers gave 50 rides in the Tri-Cities on the first weekend, bringing in $2,661.50 in donations for Kid Sport Tri-Cities. This year, the number of rides doubled, with the organization raising $3,361.90.
"We are getting some good responses from volunteers and a good response from the community," said Chris Wilson, the chair of KidSport Tri-Cities and an Operation Red Nose organizer. "It's been really good."
He added that he was also pleased to see the take-up increase in Burnaby and New Westminster, two communities that joined the program several years ago. In New West, 16 rides were given raising $469, while Burnaby saw 18 rides with a total donation of $637.
Operation Red Nose takes teams of three volunteers to safely drive home clients who have been drinking and their own vehicles for a donation of approximately $25. All of the proceeds go to KidSport Tri-Cities, which encourages young people to take up athletics by helping them with the cost of fees and equipment.
While the first weekend has been a success, Wilson said that Operation Red Nose is still looking for volunteers for the weeks ahead.
"No matter how many we have, we can always use more," he said. "They can always help promote the program, especially as it gets closer to Christmas and New Years."
The service will run the four weekends before Christmas as well as New Year's Eve: Dec. 5 and 6, 12 and 13, 19 and 20, plus Dec. 31. The number to call for a ride is 778-866-6673.
Volunteers interested in helping out should visit operationrednosetricities.com and fill out an application. Criminal record checks are required and because the program starts soon, people are encouraged to apply for a shift as soon as possible.
