Halloween has yet to pass and Operation Red Nose (OPR) is already gearing up for another season.
OPR is a service organized by the Rotary Club of Prince George – Nechako, in partnership with the RCMP and ICBC, it allows party-goers to not only get themselves home safely but their vehicles too. Drivers are available by donation on nine nights during the holiday season to those who do not feel fit to drive.
“We’d love to have a total of 300 volunteers to ensure we can meet the demand for rides we expect during the holiday season, especially on New Year’s Eve,” said Andrea Johnson, Operation Red Nose spokesperson. “Our volunteers who return year after year have a great time knowing they’ve made a difference in the community. We guarantee new volunteers will feel the same way.”
This year, the operation will be in service Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 6, and 7, Dec. 13 and 14, Dec. 20 and 21, and New Year’s Eve. On average, about 15 road teams of three will be on call each night of service, working from 9 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Last year, 959 safe rides home were delivered in Prince George. In 2017 they gave 838 safe rides home in nine nights, while in 2016, 872 rides were given and 1,059 safe rides in 2015.
Volunteers must be 19 years old and have a valid driver’s license. They can be part of a road team of three or work behind the scenes answering phones at Operation Red Nose headquarters. You can find more information here.