Operation Red Nose is calling on volunteers to help keep PG’s roads safe this holiday season.
The designated driving service will operate on 9 different nights this winter, but needs around 350 volunteers to make an impact.
People can answer phones and coordinate rides, or work on the road in teams of 3.
Spokesperson Andrea Johnson says the volunteers will drive the client’s vehicle home as well.
“It’s just a convenience for the clients so they don’t wake up the next morning and have to worry about getting their car that they left at their friend’s house across town.”
Roughly 15 road teams of 3 will be cruising the streets during each night of service, working from 9 p.m. – 3 a.m.
This year, Operation Red Nose will be in service on Nov. 27 and 28, Dec. 4 and 5, Dec. 11 and 12, Dec. 18 and 19, and New Year’s Eve.
“We’re keeping Prince George’s roads safe,” adds Johnson, “I think the main thing is helping the RCMP out, and people who may not be impaired, but don’t feel fit to drive, that’s okay, we’ll take them home. The roads need to be safe during the holiday season.”
Operation Red Nose has provided more than 10,000 safe rides home in its 17 year run.
Volunteers must be 19 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and need to complete a criminal record check.
Operation Red Nose will be out recruiting volunteers at PG Cougars and Spruce Kings games later this month.
In 2014, 1,1,23 people called for safe rides home in 9 nights, ranking Prince George second overall out of 13 communities in B.C.