Hundreds of volunteers work to make Operation Red Nose successful in Metro Moncton

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by Paul Merrigan
This Week Staff

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The holiday season is upon us and with the bevy of events and opportunities for us to get out and enjoy the holiday "spirits" comes the added need to enjoy these things responsibly.

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Operation Red Nose offers a safe and convenient alternative to driving home after a night on the town this holiday season.

For the past four years locally, Operation Red Nose has had great success in providing a safe and reliable way for people to get home with their vehicle at no cost.

While the service is free, donations are accepted and all donations made by clients are given to local youth organizations and amateur sport organizations.

In Moncton, donations made are matched by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, last year resulting in almost $12,000 being donated to local high schools for safe-grad programs.

"It runs through the holiday season on Friday and Saturday nights," explains Bill Adams, Regional Vice-President for The Insurance Bureau of Canada. "The service is provided to people who are out enjoying the holiday season and make the responsible choice. The full intent of the program is to keep people from drinking and driving."

By simply placing a phone call to Operation Red Nose (384-RIDE), you will be sure to get home safely, and best of all, wake up with your car sitting in your driveway as well.

"A team of three volunteers will show up to where the person who has called is and two of the volunteers go to the clients vehicle with them," says Bill.

"The client gets in the back seat and the two volunteers and they drive that person in that vehicle to their home. The third volunteer follows in another vehicle to pick up the others once the client is delivered."

Created in 1984 in Quebec City by Jean-Marie De Koninck, Operation Red Nose celebrates, in 2008, its 25th campaign.

To commemorate this anniversary, the national office of Operation Red Nose has organized a draw for the volunteers from Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

The prize is a five-day trip to Quebec City during Carnival in February of 2009. The prize includes transportation, accommodations, breakfasts and $500 spending money.

Every time someone volunteers, he or she is given a chance to win. To sweeten the pot, IBC will be drawing one lucky volunteer's name in every location it sponsors to win an iPod classic.

"Insurance Bureau of Canada is an excellent partner because it is dedicated to contributing to the development and expansion of the Operation Red Nose service in Canada," says Jean-Marie.

"In addition to being an important sponsor in Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, IBC also provides significant financial resources and manpower each year to promote the Operation Red Nose campaign and recruit volunteers."

Locally, last year was very busy for Operation Red Nose as almost 400 rides were given, transporting 750 people throughout the holiday season.

To that end, 265 different volunteers made this possible, and the hope is that this year's program will continue the success of recent years.

For more information about Operation Red Nose, or to volunteer with the program visit www.operationrednose.com. and fill out the online application form.