With the holiday season fast approaching, Operation Red Nose officials were in Ladner this week to launch the 2011 province-wide campaign.
Sponsors and supporters gathered at the Delta Sport Development Centre on Monday to embark on the 16th year of the campaign in B.C.
This year marks a decade for Operation Red Nose in Delta and its sixth year in Richmond. The safe driving program is being offered in 30 communities across B.C.
Last year, thanks to the help of 360 volunteers, Operation Red Nose DeltaRichmond gave 650 rides to about 2,000 individuals over the course of nine nights.
The service is organized entirely by volunteers, is provided by donation and ensures both the driver, any passengers and their vehicle make it home safely.
Delta police chief Jim Cessford helped kick off this year's campaign on Monday.
He said the program is a good example of "people looking after people."
"You know, the alternative is not all that great," he said. "Because we can pick you up and we can find a destination for you and you might not like the accommodation... with Operation Red Nose, you go home."
Since 2002, the Delta Gymnastics Society has been the local host of the national program.
The local group is still looking for volunteers for the coming holiday season. Anyone over the age of 19 is encouraged to help keep the roads and families safe by supporting this program.
This year Operation Red Nose will service the communities of Delta and Richmond on Nov. 25, 26, Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 and 31 between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.
All sponsorship and donations received to the campaign will be directed to the purchase of equipment for the new Delta Sport Development Centre, home of Delta Gymnastics.
To get involved, call Delta Gymnastics at 604943-0460 or email orn@ operationrednosedelta.com. Volunteer applications are also available at www.operationrednosedelta.com.
