Another very successful year of Operation Red Nose has come to a close, said community safety co-ordinator Dave Dixon.
“The 160-plus volunteers again took part in the Operation Red Nose tradition in providing 289 safe rides to residents of Williams Lake and immediate surrounding area,” Dickson said.
“This was the fifth year that the Rotary Club of Williams Lake and the Williams Lake Community Policing took part in this outstanding program.”
Although Operation Red Nose was operational only eight evenings instead of the traditional nine evenings, the Williams Lake team continued to see the demand for the program to grow.
“Several of the evenings were challenging due to the weather conditions in December,” Dixon said. “Even with the adverse weather and road conditions, our volunteers were able to travel over 5,000 kilometres and safely provide rides.”
Dickson thanked the “amazing” sponsors who supplied vehicles, fuel, insurance, refreshments and advertising.
“With these continuous commitments of support, Operation Red Nose will continue to be available in our community,” Dickson said.
On a national level, this was the 30th national annual campaign and it was marked by its one millionth volunteer.
In Canada, 56,437 volunteers in 106 host communities provided rides for 82 ,530 motorists. In B.C., 4,347 volunteers took part in the Operation Red Nose tradition by providing 7,768 rides to motorists who did not feel fit to drive. Proud to have safely driven so many people home during holiday festivities, Operation Red Nose volunteers ended the campaign with a true feeling of accomplishment.
“This is outstanding and something to be very proud of,” Dickson said.