Insp. Tom Gray of the Comox Valley RCMP supports Operation red Nose as one way to socialize during the holiday season and still get home safely.
“In the holiday season, people do want to get out and socialize," says Gray. "We understand that, but we’re asking that they find a safe way to get home. Operation Red Nose is just one way that people can look ahead.”
The ORN awareness campaign is designed to make a free driver service available to those who have been drinking or do not feel fit to drive, and allows the public to arrive home safe in their own vehicle.
The service is free, however, donations are encouraged, which are then turned over to non-profit youth programs.
Operation Red Nose is asking for volunteers to come forward and help make this season an even bigger success than last year.
“The success of this campaign depends on the support of our community," says ORN Comox Valley co-ordinator Tricia Scavarda. "The more volunteers we can secure, the more safe rides we can provide. We are still looking for more designated drivers, navigators, and escort drivers. We are also in need of headquarters managers and dispatchers.”
People can volunteer for a night or two, or as many as they wish. For even more fun, consider getting your friends or coworkers together to work as a team for the night.
The Comox Fire Department is volunteering as a driving team.
“We got to meet a lot of nice people (last year); both the volunteers and the customers we picked up and I thought it was very worthwhile,” says Comox fire chief Gord Schreiner.
Operation Red Nose will run every Friday and Saturday night, from Nov. 25 till Dec. 31, excluding Dec. 23 and 24, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. in Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, and Royston.
If you are looking for a fun opportunity to give back to the community and help keep our roads safer, either as a volunteer, a local supporter, or if your organization would like to volunteer as a team, contact ValleyLinks (Operation Red Nose headquarters) at 532 Fifth St. in Courtenay, 250-334-8063 or orn@valleylinks.net.
Volunteer applications are also available through www.operationrednose.com
— Operation Red Nose