Residents looking for a way to give back to the community this holiday season are encouraged to consider volunteering for Operation Red Nose.
The annual campaign, which provides drivers with a safe ride home for them and their vehicles during the holiday season, kicks off in Burnaby on Friday. While the regional outfit already has some volunteers, it could always use more, according to Chris Wilson of Operation Red Nose B.C.
“We’re always looking for volunteers,” he said. “As the program grows in awareness there’s just always more demand for rides, and we are kind of limited with how many rides we can give based on how many volunteers we have.”
This is the third year Operation Red Nose has been active in Burnaby, which is part of the Tri-Cities and New Westminster regional outfit. Last year, nearly 1,000 rides were given to drivers in the area and that number is expected to increase as awareness for the program grows, Wilson said.
Offered on the four weekends leading up to Christmas and on New Years Eve, people who’ve had too much to drink or not feeling fit to drive can call 778-866-6673 and three volunteers will come and pick them up. Two volunteers – the driver and a navigator – will drive the person home in their own car while the third volunteer follows in the escort vehicle.
“There’s quite a bit that the volunteers get out of it,” Wilson said. “The clients they’re driving are always in a good mood and extremely appreciative.”
Volunteers work 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. and are provided with free food throughout the evening.
“And they get double the satisfaction because not only are they helping people get home safely and keeping the roads safer but they’re also helping to raise money for really worthwhile charities.
Rides are by donation and all proceeds collected in Burnaby, New West or the Tri-Cities go to KidSport, a charity that provides financial assistance for kids who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to play a sport. The program sponsor, Metropolis at Metrotown, covers administrative costs so all the money collected goes directly to KidSport, Wilson added.
Volunteer drivers need a valid driver’s licence and must be at least 21 years old. Navigators must be at least 19 years old, and escort drivers must have a licence and their own vehicle. All volunteers are also required to complete a criminal record check before they can be approved.
For more information on becoming a volunteer, visit operationrednosetricities.com.
