From left, Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall, Operation Red Nose mascot Rudy, and Prince George Cougars head coach Richard Matvichuk – photo 250News

Prince George, B.C. – It’s a service that’s become a holiday tradition in Prince George and its back for the 19^th consecutive year starting this weekend.

Operation Red Nose – a free, designated driving service – officially launched its 2016 campaign at the CN Centre inside the Prince George Cougar’s dressing room this afternoon.

“The community of Prince George has shown that they are united with us, and this is just another example of our organization showing how united we are with our community,” said Cougars head coach Richard Matvichuk.

“This is a very important initiative for the Prince George Cougars to support and it’s certainly our hope that the people of Prince George continue to support Operation Red Nose in order to ensure their safety during the holiday season.”

Red Nose will be on the road 10 nights this holiday season from 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. starting Friday night and running through New Year’s Eve.

Organized by the Rotary Club of Prince George-Nechako, in partnership with the RCMP and ICBC, 125 volunteers have been approved for criminal record checks so far. The goal is to recruit 250-300 volunteers.

If you’d like to help out, you can do so by clicking here or by calling 250-961-6465,

Last year, 1,059 safe rides home were given over nine nights ranking Prince George second overall out of 12 communities in B.C.