Operation Red Nose in Brandon, which will run from Nov. 24 until Dec. 31, picks people up and drives them home in their own vehicles, to help prevent drunk driving and help keep the roads safer throughout the holiday season.
“During the holiday season it’s common for people to go out and enjoy a great evening celebrating with friends and family whether it’s at a company party or a house party. Our service provides a safe ride home, and when they wake up the next morning, their car is in their driveway,” said Gladden Smith, Chair of Brandon’s Operation Red Nose.
The program returned last year after being put on hold in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns. Rides are free, but drivers do accept donations, which will go directly to local youth sports programs.
When a person calls 204-728-NOSE (6673) for a ride, a team of three volunteers meets them at their pickup location. One of the volunteers drives the client’s car home, with an Operation Red Nose car following. Operation Red Nose will offer rides in the coming weeks every Friday and Saturday night, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on the following dates: November 24 & 25, December 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16, and 31st.
The 2022 Campaign was short on volunteers and the number of calls to book the service were well below average. “The more volunteers the more rides we can offer and the more we can help keep the roads safer during the holiday season and at the same time get more people and their vehicles home safe and sound,” said Smith. Along with the camaraderie Smith said there are other incentives for people to sign up as a volunteer driver, Thanks to the many sponsors here in Brandon there will be plenty to eat for all the volunteers and as always, an endless cup of coffee to keep you going through the night thanks to Rhonda and all her staff at Tim Hortons.”
Volunteers can pick up and drop of applications and criminal record check forms at the following locations:
- CAA 305 – 18th Street North Brandon
- Western Nations Gas Bar 1725 – 18th Street North Brandon
- Murray Chev Cadillac Buick GMC 1500 Richmond Ave. Brandon * NOTE: Your completed Criminal Record Check forms must be dropped off with 2 pieces of photocopied ID 1 must be government issued with your picture (Driver’s License, Passport) at Brandon Police Service 1020 Victoria Ave. Brandon
CALL OPERATION RED NOSE AT 204 728-NOSE (6673)
