Operation Red Nose returns for 2023

An annual holiday program is helping ensure everyone has a ride home this Christmas.

Operation Red Nose is making a return this year, helping people find safe rides after a little too much eggnog. The program, which originally started in 1984 in Quebec, has three volunteers pick up clients and drive them in their own vehicle to their destination.

One volunteer drives the client’s vehicle, a second volunteer navigates, and a third volunteer follows in an escort vehicle to pick up the other two volunteers after the drop off.

In Saskatchewan the program operates in the Battlefords, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon.

The service is free, but will accept donations.

Marie-Chantal Fortin is the national development coordinator for Operation Red Nose. She said the money raised from donations to the program goes to a good cause.

“For the local host organizations – those non-profit organizations that organize the programs in their community – it’s a fundraiser for them, and so all the money that is raised in one community stays in that community, and it helps support local youth or amateur sports projects,” said Fortin.

She said she is hoping the program expands further within the province.

“We’re always looking to expand our programs, so if there are other non-profit organizations in other communities that would like to organize and host the service as a fundraiser for 2024, they can reach out to us and we’ll help them through the whole application process, and we’ll help them get set up,” said Fortin.

The program began in late November and will conclude on Dec. 31.

Fortin said all volunteers go through a background check before being allowed to join the program.

“They do go through a criminal record check and we also check their driving record with SGI, so they are thoroughly checked on all aspects,” said Fortin.

Anyone wanting book a ride can download the Operation Red Nose mobile app or give them a call.

• The Battlefords: 306-445-1020 or 306-441-4676
• Prince Albert: 306-763-6673
• Saskatoon: 639-480-6673

Those looking to volunteer with the project can visit the Operation Red Nose website or contact their national office at 1-800-463-7222.