The Kiwanis Club of Sardis has stepped up to become the new host organization for Operation Red Nose in Chilliwack.
"We're very excited about the opportunity to keep the popular Operation Red Nose program in our community," said Chris Kizmann, coordinator of the Kiwanis' Operation Red Nose committee.
The Sardis Kiwanis group has about 35 active members and was established in 1979.
"The members of our club are fully on board and aim to make sure the local road safety campaign is as successful as ever," he said.
They are currently seeking out a suitable office space for the Red Nose program and then they'll start looking for sponsors and volunteers.
"It's still early on in the process, but becoming the host organization was seen by our Kiwanis group as a great community service opportunity, as well as having strong fundraising potential," said Ken Smith, club treasurer, and assistant coordinator of the Operation Red Nose committee.
Chilliwack Restorative Justice & Youth Advocacy Association was the host of the seasonal road safety program in the Chilliwack area for eight years.
"Restorative Justice did a phenomenal job, and we don't plan to introduce any major changes," said Kizmann. "The program was very well established here."
Volunteer drivers, navigators and dispatchers with Operation Red Nose drove more than 700 clients home in 2010 and in 2011 to homes in Chilliwack and area, for motorists who had been drinking, or did not feel fit to drive.
Ongoing Kiwanis fundraising projects go to support everything from their Super Reader program, to scholarships and other youth-focused projects.
For more details email the organizers at chilliwack@operationrednose.com.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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