Prince George, B.C. – This one may jump out and take you a little by surprise but guess what? Operation Red Nose is asking Prince George to once again volunteer for its 2013 campaign. 

 

The free, seasonal designated driver service is organized by the Rotary Club of Prince George Nechako in partnership with the RCMP and ICBC.  Entering its 15th season here Operation Red Nose is a free and confidential designated driving service where a team of road volunteers will pick you up and drive you home safely in your own vehicle during the holiday season. It’s available to anyone who does not feel fit to drive their own vehicle home.

 

"We need about 350 volunteers to help us this year to help keep Prince George roads safe during the holiday season," said Andrea Johnson, Operation Red Nose spokesperson. "We couldn’t have the success we do without the amazing support of our volunteers who work so tirelessly," said Johnson. "They are fun and an amazing group of people who come back year after year."

 

Volunteers can be designated drivers, navigators or work at Operation Red Nose headquarters. On average, about 15 teams of three will be on call each night of service, working from 9 pm – 3 am. "Volunteers must be 19 years old and have a valid driver’s license and must fill out a Criminal Record Check form which will be available on our website at www.ornpg.ca," said Johnson.

 

This year, Operation Red Nose will be in service Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 and Dec. 31.

 

In 2012, 273 Operation Red Nose volunteers provided 1,084 safe rides home over nine nights. That was the second-best season in the history of Operation Red Nose in Prince George. In 2010, 1,123 safe rides were provided, the most ever in our city.

 

But volunteers are needed. "So far we have 20 applications for the 2013 campaign," said Johnson. "We have e-mailed our volunteers from the 2012 season reminding them to please fill out their volunteer application forms as soon as possible."

Volunteers who do not want to be on the road can help answer phones at Operation Red Nose headquarters.