Volunteers for Operation Red Nose have been hard at work providing rides home for residents and their vehicles this holiday season.
“It’s a by-donation service that keeps people who have been drinking off the roads,” said program co-ordinator for Williams Lake, Dave Dickson.
“It’s a good thing.”
Dickson said six teams of three volunteers each work every Friday and Saturday night from 9 p.m. until 3 a.m. giving rides and driving home vehicles for customers. With the exception of the Dec. 23 and 24, the program runs from Nov. 25 to Jan. 31.
This year, Operation Red Nose volunteers are basing their headquarters out of Heartland Toyota and use vehicles donated for the evening by Cariboo GM, Heartland Toyota, Gustafson’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Lake City Ford, Ron Ridley Rentals and Heartland Toyota while ICBC donates the insurance fees for the vehicles.
Snacks are provided to the volunteers by Taylor Made Cakes and Sweets, Panago and Red Tomato Pies. Other services are provided by Mike Austin, PMT Chartered Accountants and Progressive Printers.
Dickson said to date volunteers have given more than 100 rides and are gearing up for a busy weekend, where last year 71 rides were given.
Anyone wishing to take advantage of this service, which also helps to raise money for local youth clubs and is run by the Rotary Club, can call 250-392-2222.