Volunteers Needed for Operation Red Nose

Operation Red Nose launches its 6th year in Cold Lake this weekend

The free safe ride home service, Operation Red Nose is looking for volunteers to help run the campaign’s 2016 season. The sober ride home service is unique from other ride services in that it drives you and your car home after a night of indulging in alcoholic beverages.

“We are the only service that volunteers to drive people home, in their own vehicles, for free.” Dave Zimmerman of Cold Lake Victim Services, who coordinates Operation Red Nose, says teams of three are needed for each safe ride home. “Our teams are dispatched to the location, two of the three team members will drive the client, and passengers home, in the clients vehicle. As long as there’s enough seatbelts.” The driver and navigator go in the vehicle with the client, escorted by a Operation Red Nose vehicle.

“We’re still looking for volunteers,” confirms Zimmerman . “People who want to volunteer, we are ready and willing to have them.” The best way to sign up is to go to the Cold Lake RCMP Detachment and fill out an application. There is a criminal record check involved in the application process.

Last year, Operation Red Nose grew in the city, says Zimmerman, “we jumped from the record being 139 rides in eleven nights of service to last year 203 rides in nine nights of service.” Zimmerman notes that impaired driving has also decreased since Operation Red Nose has come to Cold Lake. “In 2003, there were 30 impaired driving incidents, it went down to below 15 incidents.” Zimmerman couldn’t speak of convictions but the numbers indicate that if people are given a better alternative, they’ll use it. “I’m not totally crediting Operation Red Nose, but I think it’s making a difference.”

Volunteers are needed on weekends, Fridays and Saturdays, leading up to New Year’s from 9:00 pm to 3:00 am.

• Nov 25 & 26
• Dec 2 & 3
• Dec 9 & 10
• Dec 16 & 17
• Dec 23
• Dec 30 & 31

“It’s a free service, but donations are greatly accepted,” Zimmerman says donations go towards running the program, as well as, helping build materials for children who utilize Victim Services. “All proceeds go towards children who are victims of crime and tragedy. Grief & loss boxes, different materials, teddy bears, court support supplies, and training for volunteer advocates to work with children more effectively.”

The service has received a great sponsorship from Alberta Traffic Safety and will be able to put our coasters to local drinking establishments with the Operation Red Nose Hot Line, 780-812-5880. The number can be used to call or text for the service.

If you are hosting a Christmas party, Operation Red Nose encourages you to call ahead and let them know there will be multiple people needed rides home from your location prior to the event. You can contact Operation Red Nose at 780-812-5880. To find out more about Operation Red Nose visit them online today!