Operation Red Nose volunteers got a big surprise last Friday night.
A trio was out making the rounds with Rudy, the safe driving campaign's mascot, to promote the service when it made a stop at Browns Socialhouse at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn.
Volunteer Angela Yamaoka said it was about 9 p.m. and the restaurant was packed. The group, which was attracting a fair bit of attention thanks to Rudy, was just about to leave when a man approached Yamaoka.
"Just as we were leaving, this one gentleman said, 'Thank you for your service. Can I make a donation?'" Yamaoka said the man, who wishes to remain anonymous, told volunteers he has vowed to never drive after having anything to drink and offered to make a $500 donation. Already surprised at the man's generosity, the volunteers were then shocked when he quickly changed his mind and made a $2,500 donation on behalf of his company, Total Marine Logistics.
After his donation was made by credit card over the phone, the man simply hopped in a taxi and left.
"He didn't even want a ride," Yamaoka said.
The man later told the Optimist he believes in what the group is doing and simply wanted to support Operation Red Nose and Delta Gymnastics.
The Ladner mom, who is in her second year volunteering with the organization, said she's never had anyone make a donation that large, let alone make one without getting a ride first.
Since 2002, the Delta Gymnastics Society has been the local host of the award-winning national program that strives to keep the roads safe during the holiday season.
The service, which gets holiday revelers, and their vehicles, home safely, is free, but donations of any size are gratefully accepted.
Red Nose volunteers will be out again tonight, tomorrow night and on New Year's Eve between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. More volunteers are always needed.
More information can be found at www.operationrednosedelta. com, by calling Delta Gymnastics at 604-943-0460 or email [email protected].
To book a safe ride home, call 604-943-0460.
