Operation Red Nose is in full swing this holiday season in Winnipeg, but say they need more drivers to get them through what’s expected to be a busy New Year’s Eve.
The volunteer run program provides a free ride service for those who are impaired, while also making sure their vehicles gets home safely as well. This year the team started their service on Nov. 29.
The service is free but donations go to support Winnipeg’s Manta Swim Club.
Annually New Year’s Eve is the busiest night of the year for the organization which needs around 150 volunteers to be able to answer requests in a timely manner.
“If we push out past an hour or more than we find our clients get a little anxious,” said Operation Red Nose Winnipeg Coordinator, Sharra Hinton. “They get a little restless, and they start making some silly decisions and think ‘Oh I can drive home on my own’.”
Operation Red Nose says as of Friday they’re still in need of 75 more drive team volunteers for the big night, Dec. 31.
Volunteers also saying there are other positions you can help with if you don’t want to go out in a car.
“You can work on the phones and stay inside, or you can help out as I do at the front desk greeting people and setting up the bags and getting teams ready for the evening,” said Manta volunteer, Nadia Krawchenko-Chaput.
In 2018, a total of 1,528 rides were given by Operation Red Nose in Winnipeg, and 230 of those rides were given on New Year’s Eve.
Those who are interested in volunteering with Operation Red Nose on New Year’s Eve can visit their website, call 204-794-7339, or email info@rednosewpg.ca for more information.
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