Operation Red Nose aims to keep streets safe during holiday season

Nov 6, 2018 | 1:00 PM

Getting a safe ride home while supporting a great cause.

That’s the goal of Operation Red Nose, who is getting set for their tenth year of service in the Battlefords. Proceeds of the event go directly to KidSport in the Battlefords, and all it takes is a call for impaired drivers to get home safely.

David Schell, co-chair with KidSport and Operation Red Nose, has now been a driver for four years and said the service is an important one for the community.

“It’s a good way to keep intoxicated people off the streets,” he said. “The money raised goes to KidSport that allows any kids facing financial barriers to have the opportunity to participate in sports.”

The service doesn’t just offer a free ride home for the person impaired, but also returns their vehicle home. With the holiday season being so intertwined in people letting loose, it’s the perfect way to ensure that the roads are safe, Schell says.

“We all know that in the holiday season, people like to party,” he said. “To keep intoxicated drivers off the road, whether they’re impaired from alcohol or something else, it’s always nice to have safe rides home.”

The free service starts up on Friday, Nov. 30 and runs on Friday and Saturday nights up until New Years Eve. The service is free, but donations are welcomed and always stay local. The one weekend Operation Red Nose won’t be running within that time is Dec. 21 and 22.

All residents need to do is call one of the two designated lines for the Battlefords, either 306 480-9876 or 306 480-9879, and have their vehicle registered to get the service.

Although Operation Red Nose has been running in the Battlefords for quite some time, they are always looking for more drivers to help out with getting people home safely. In his time as a driver, Schell said it’s a lot of fun.

“(We’re always) looking for more,” he said. “So it’s not the same people driving every weekend, it gets a little daunting. If you have a free Friday or Saturday night over the holiday season, we’re always looking for more drivers and volunteers.”

Operation Red Nose also runs in Prince Albert and in Saskatoon through the holiday season.

 

brady.lang@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @BradyLangCJNB