With one more night to go in this year's Operation Red Nose campaign, it appears more people are turning to the service to get around over the Christmas holidays.
ORN organizer Chris Wilson told The Tri-City News that numbers are up over last year, with 285 rides in the Tri-Cities compared to 257 during the same time period in 2017.
Proceeds from the service go to KidSport Tri-Cities, an organization that helps with fees and equipment for disadvantaged young people who want to play organized sports.
"We're on target to beat last year's numbers by quite a bit," Wilson said. "Donations are also up. I think as people who may have experienced what the commercial designated driving services cost, they're quite happy to generously donate to KidSport."
This is the 12th year the program has been in operation, using volunteers during the holiday season to help get people and their vehicles home safely after they have been drinking. Wilson said they had anticipated an uptick in customers this year given the recent changes to the province's drinking and driving laws.
"I know when the province changed the rules about four years ago, we saw quite a large increase in the number of rides," he said. "This time, I think it was more subtle, but still, I think it made a difference."
While the numbers look good so far this year, they will likely be even better after Dec. 31 — New Year's Eve — which is the last night that the service is in operation.
Those who are interested in getting a lift from Operation Red Nose in the Tri-Cities, Burnaby or New Westminster can call 778-866-6673. For more information go to www.OperationRedNoseTricities.com.
@gmckennaTC
