Operation Red Nose is gearing up for its 15th year in Chilliwack, with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers, to make Chilliwack roads safer this holiday season.
On Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 30 to Dec. 22 and New Year’s Eve, the red-vested volunteers will be available to ensure that people get home safely in their own vehicle. This year’s campaign theme “Keeping You Safe For The Holidays” encourages all motorists who have had one too many, are tired, or simply not able to drive home safely, to call Operation Red Nose at 604-393-3000 between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.
The Kiwanis Club of Sardis is coordinating the service again this year, with the help of volunteers from the community. The service is by donation, 100 per cent of the proceeds staying in Chilliwack to support local youth.
Last year, in Chilliwack, 125 volunteers provided almost 600 safe rides home to over 1,000 passengers.
Across B.C., volunteers provided 4,765 rides, and across Canada over 70,000 rides. Each year, Operation Red Nose clients donate over $1.5 million to youth initiatives, from coast to coast.
This year Operation Red Nose is operating its 35th campaign in Canada, and its 15th year in Chilliwack, with the service available in over 100 host communities in seven Canadian provinces. Volunteering for Operation Red Nose is an immensely popular, valued and important community service.
During this year’s campaign, Operation Red Nose volunteers, headquartered in downtown Chilliwack, will be taking calls with one goal in mind: To make roads and highways safer for everyone.
Individuals can volunteer for one evening, or up to all 9 evenings. One can volunteer to be on a road team or part of the office crew. Three person road teams include a designated driver of the client vehicle, a second driver who trails in an escort vehicle, and a navigator who supports the drivers. Individuals wanting to work on a road team with friends or relatives who are also volunteering need only make a request on their application forms and the Director of Volunteers will make it happen.
With the 2018 Operation Red Nose campaign set to start on Nov. 30, anyone interested in volunteering can pick up an application form at the RCMP detachment on Airport Road in Chilliwack. You can also get information and an application at “operationrednose.com” Volunteers must fill out an application which includes a Police Information Check, which is processed at no charge to the volunteer. Returning volunteers must fill out a new application each year. More information is available by emailing chilliwack@operationrednose.com. Individuals intending to volunteer are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible because the Police Information Check might take several days.