Guylaine Beaupré, Executive Director, Operation Red Nose – photo 250 News

Prince George, B.C. – Operation Red Nose launched its 19th annual campaign in Prince George at Canada Games Plaza this morning.

The volunteer service, which offers a free ride home to anyone unfit to drive this holiday season, included several guest speakers.

Jill Blacklock, ICBC’s road safety manager, spoke glowingly of the program they’ve sponsored since its inception in BC noting 65,000 safe rides have been provided since the service began.

National Executive Director Guylaine Beaupré was also on hand and said that $1.5 million in donations were collected last year country wide which she says stays locally and goes towards youth and amateur sport organizations.

Prince George is one of 13 BC communities taking part this year which will run 9 nights beginning November 28th and wrapping up New Year’s Eve.

Organizers are hoping to attract 450 volunteers and are about a third of the way to reaching that goal.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call KarenToombs at 250-961-6465 or by going to www.ornpg.ca.