After a two-year absence due to declining volunteer participation and reduced demand for the service, Operation Red Nose Brandon is gearing up for a comeback this holiday season with a renewed focus on keeping local roads safe and ensuring celebrants get home without risking an impaired driving charge or worse.
Organizers are currently recruiting volunteers for the community-driven program, which provides safe rides home for individuals and their vehicles during the holiday season. The service operates with teams of volunteers who drive both participants and their vehicles home, helping reduce the risk of impaired driving while promoting responsible celebrations.
Operation Red Nose will operate out of the Dome Building on the east side of the Keystone Centre grounds from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on the following dates:
- November 27 and 28
- December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 and 31
Volunteer applications can be picked up and returned at the Dome Building. Organizers note that criminal record check costs will be covered this year, removing a potential barrier for those interested in helping.
The campaign’s return comes as impaired driving remains a serious concern across Canada. According to MADD Canada, 521 Canadians were killed in crashes involving a drinking driver in 2022, while police continue to lay hundreds of impaired-driving charges and suspensions every week. Statistics Canada reports police recorded more than 71,000 impaired driving incidents nationwide in 2023.
Operation Red Nose Kickoff Social!
To kick off the season, organizers will host a 70s and 80s-themed fundraising social on November 28 at the Dome Building, featuring local rock band Vintage Voltage. Tickets are available at the Dome Building on the east side of the Keystone Centre grounds. Or you can purchase them from any committee member.
Organizers hope the return of Operation Red Nose will reconnect the community with a proven holiday tradition, providing a safe alternative for partygoers while helping make Brandon-area roads safer for everyone throughout the festive season.
How To Get Involved
Bring your 2 pieces of ID and 2 forms to the Dome Building!
