The number of people who used Operation Red Nose in Williams Lake was up by 30 per cent in 2012.
It was the fourth year that the Rotary Club of Williams Lake and Williams Lake Community Policing collaborated to offer the service.
Operation Red Nose was operational nine evenings throughout the Christmas season offering free rides to folks that had been celebrating and needed a safe ride home along with their vehicle. This year, the program provided 290 rides, a total of 639 riders, 126 volunteers, travelled 4.947 kms. and in excess of $7,500.00 in donations was received.
This program was made possible by a number of outstanding businesses and volunteers, said safer communities co-ordinator Dave Dickson.
“This year, Lake City Ford, Ron Ridley Rentals, Cariboo GM, Heartland Toyota and Gustafson’s Chrysler Jeep provided the vehicles. Panago Pizza and Taylor Made Cakes supplied the refreshments each evening and David Hall and the Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre supplied the telephone system and dispatch centre.”
The Williams Lake RCMP and City of Williams Lake assisted with the administration.
This year, Kids Sport, Williams Lake figure Skating, Williams Lake Gymnastics and the Blue Fins swim club are the recipients of the funds.
Volunteer numbers were up in 2012 as well.
While he was planning for this year’s service, Dickson approached the four local organizations that would benefit from any proceeds collected if by chance riders happen to make donations. As a result, each group committed to two nights of driving, with three teams of three drivers.