Last December I volunteered for Operation Red Nose. I didn't think staying up until 3 a.m. traipsing around Richmond and Delta was going to be a whole lot of fun. Sure, when it was over I was pretty tired, but between the people I was partnered with and the people we drove home, I had a great time, and vowed to come back again this year.
I really didn't want to have the same experience, so I stepped up for a very important job: I volunteered to be Rudy.
Rudy is the mascot for Operation Red Nose. As you can guess, I was going to be dressed as a giant reindeer, bright red schnoz and all. Team Rudy goes out and promotes the service by visiting places where people are enjoying a drink or two, and team members drop off cards and table-toppers with the phone number to call.
I got suited up and we headed out to the first party in Richmond. Just before going in I put on the last piece - a rather large, topheavy reindeer head. Walking up the stairs to the event, I could see my reflection in the glass door. It's an interesting experience seeing yourself as a giant reindeer. I just hoped the first group wasn't a hunting club.
There's something special about being dressed as a mascot when you enter a party. It's like being a celebrity. Everyone turns and looks at you. And not in a you've-gotsomething-stuck-in-your-teeth kind of way. You are instantly the life of the party, people's faces light up in big smiles and want to have their photo taken with you.
We left the party and headed back to Delta. Police Chief Jim Cessford and a couple of his colleagues met up with us to visit the next locations. Being back in Delta, I started to recognize people, but Rudy doesn't talk, so I couldn't say hello. Yes, that was me - it was nice to see you, too.
We traveled around Delta to a few more spots. If there's one thing I know about touring the area with the chief of police, it's this: no speeding.
At one location, I broke the sacred rule of being a mascot. I saw a friend, so I made my way over and shook her hand. She wasn't too interested, so I leaned down closer and said, "It's Brad."
I'd blown my cover. I was no longer Rudy, I was Brad in a giant suit. I won't do that again...
As much fun as I had being Rudy, it's not long before the important part of the evening comes along: driving people safely home. It was a quiet night, but I know that at least six people woke up the next morning, car in the driveway, safe and sound.
Just like last year, volunteering with Operation Red Nose was a night to remember. It feels good to know that, in a small way, we made a difference and kept the roads safe that evening. If you've been drinking, know you shouldn't drive but don't want to leave your car behind, keep the number handy.
To volunteer, or to book a safe ride home, visit OperationRedNoseDelta.com or call 604-943-0460.
Tell them Rudy sent you.
