Operation Red Nose in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities continues to be record-breaking with the number of volunteers helping out.
The volunteer-based designated driving service provided 160 rides on the weekend, which almost doubles the 89 rides offered the same weekend in 2011 when the service operated only in the Tri-Cities.
"We are ecstatic with how it's going," said Chris Wilson, Operation Red Nose coordinator. "Our first weekend and this past weekend's numbers were basically double what they were last year. It's really taking off in its first year in Burnaby and New Westminster."
Sixteen volunteer teams of three were on the road Friday night and 12 on Saturday. As strong as those numbers are, Wilson says they can still use more volunteers. "We had 95 volunteers (total) for both nights, but Saturday nights are crazy busy for us. Even though we had 12 teams, we could have used four or five more. The phone was ringing off the hook.
"I was so proud of the volunteer teams. A lot of them were volunteering with us for the first time and they covered a lot of miles criss-crossing the cities. They were pretty tired when they returned to headquarters, but they all had smiles on their faces. They had a lot of fun."
It's not too late to volunteer, but anyone who might be interested is encouraged to act fairly quickly.
The service runs between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. for the next two weekends and New Years Eve. Those wanting a ride can call 1-778-8666673 (NOSE) during those hours. Pre-booking is not possible.
To volunteer for Operation Red Nose, email [email protected].
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