Operation Red Nose volunteers took their message to the streets, reminding drivers stopped at a counterattack roadblock the importance of getting a safe ride home.
Volunteers teamed up with officers conducting counterattack roadblocks in New Westminster on Saturday night to encourage people to use designated drivers when enjoying festive drinks this holiday season.
The response from drivers was positive and many posed for pictures with Operation Red Nose mascot Rudy, according to a press release from organizers.
This is the third year the safe ride home program, which kicked off its season Nov. 28, has operated in New West, and organizers are starting to see an increase in how many volunteers are signing up.
There was double the number of volunteers out last weekend compared to the same time a year earlier, even though Operation Red Nose provided the same number of rides. In total, volunteers gave 185 rides to people in New Westminster, Burnaby and the Tri-Cities last weekend, up from 166 in 2013.
Despite the increase in volunteers, organizers say they’re always looking for more people to pitch in. Anyone interested can find more information at operationrednosetricities.com. (Volunteers are required to complete a criminal record check).
The program runs every weekend until Christmas Day and on New Year’s Eve between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Drivers who’ve had too much to drink or anyone looking for a safe ride home can call 778-866-6673 and three volunteers will come pick them up and drive them home in their own car.
While the rides are technically free, donations are accepted and encouraged as all proceeds go to the local KidSport chapter.
