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Operation Red Nose is getting ready to roll for the 16th time in Saskatchewan.
The goal of the program, which launches in Saskatoon on November 30, is to ensure those who are out enjoying the holiday season at bars or parties are getting a safe ride home.
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The program is run by volunteers who will come and pick you and your car up from your location and drive you home free of charge – though riders are asked to leave a donation which, in Saskatoon, will go towards the Ronald McDonald House or the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club.
This year, the program will run in Saskatoon, Prince Albert and the Battlefords.
“It’s just one of the options that are out there,” said Megan Olson, president of the Saskatoon Millennium Lions Club.
“We do know that during the Christmas season you’re going to have the increase in numbers of people needing a ride, whether it’s due to house parties with friends or corporate Christmas parties, we just know that the demand can be quite high. We’re happy to provide another option for getting people in their vehicles home safely.”
Getting a ride is simple. All you have to do is download the Operation Red Nose app and request a ride like you would with any other service.
RCMP Sgt. Curtis Little said he’s happy the service is available to help ensure everyone gets a safe ride home over the holidays.
“We often are the first on scene to see the results of impaired driving, so it’s very unfortunate that we have statistics that people are still going out drinking and driving,” Little said.
Olson said last year the project was able to raise over $3,300 by helping people get themselves and their vehicles home safely.
This year, Operation Red Nose is operating on eight nights – Nov. 30, Dec, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 and 31. The service operates from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m.
Olson credits the volunteers for the reason as to why they’re able to keep this program running.
“We’ve had a dedicated team,” Olson explained.
“They just absolutely believe in the program and they have volunteered year after year and are hugely involved in everything from putting out posters to sometimes even arranging sponsors. We have a very good core team and we have lots of people that join on every year.”
If you’re interested in volunteering, Olson encouraged anyone interested in volunteering to reach out through the Opeartion Red Nose Facebook group or website.