Operation Red Nose is in full gear after kicking off its 21st annual campaign in Abbotsford in late November.
From Nov. 25 to Dec. 31, Operation Red Nose will provide more than 50,000 citizens with an additional option to get home safe and avoid drinking and driving. Abbotsford is one of 13 communities in B.C. to receive the service.
James Palframan, who helped co-ordinate this year’s kickoff, said that New Year’s Eve remains their biggest night of the year, and extra volunteers will be required to help.
“It’s just grown over the years naturally as more people find out about the service,” Palframan said. “The one we need most volunteers for is New Year’s Eve. It’s a busy night and there are lots of people going out and utilizing the service.”
Last year, there were 108 rides given during New Year’s Eve among 12 “teams.” Each team has three people – two drivers, one of whom drives the vehicle of the impaired person, and the other who is a navigator to relay proper directions.
In total, 562 rides were given out covering almost 16,000 kilometres during the 2015 holiday season, something Palframan expects to beat this year.
A total of $1.5 million was raised in client donations in 2015, and turned over to youth or amateur sports organization such as PacificSport.
For more information on the local campaign, visit facebook.com/OperationRedNoseAbbotsfordMission.