Starting this weekend, Operation Red Nose will be available to take holiday party goers and their vehicles home from a night out.
"Our team of volunteer drivers and dispatchers is ready to do their part in keeping our roads safe this holiday season," said Operation Red Nose Delta-Richmond chair Carlene Lewall. "The first night is always the most exciting as we eagerly await the first calls to come, and then it all kicks into high gear."
Last year thanks to the help of 360 volunteers, Operation Red Nose Delta-Richmond gave close to 650 rides to about 2,000 individuals in the course of nine nights.
"One statistic that is not included is the number of lives that were probably saved by keeping our roads safe during those busy nights," added Lewall.
Since 2002, Delta Gymnastics Society has been the local host of the award-winning national program that strives to provide road safety while at the same time supports amateur youth sport in the community. The difference between this service and a regular taxi service is that both the driver and their vehicle are taken to their homes.
"Many of our Delta Gymnastics coaches, staff, parents and athletes get directly involved in the campaign," said Lewall. "The funds raised through sponsorship, donations and tips are all directed to the improvement of our facility and equipment to benefit all of our participants."
Volunteers are still needed, especially on New Year's Eve.
"That night all our calls start after midnight so our volunteers still have an opportunity to enjoy a great dinner hosted at our facility and ring in the New Year. Shortly after the real fun begins," said Lewall.
Anyone over the age of 19 can volunteer. There are many positions that need to be filled, including dispatch office, greeters, drivers and navigators. All volunteers are required to complete a criminal record check prior to participating in the program at no cost to the volunteer.
This year Operation Red Nose, in partnership with ICBC, Richmond RCMP, Delta police and many local sponsors, will service the communities of Delta and Richmond on Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 and 31 between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.
To get involved call 604943-0460 or email orn@ operationrednosedelta.com. Volunteer applications are also available at www.operationrednosedelta.com.
