Operation Red Nose

Getting home this holiday season just got a little easier as Operation Red Nose launched their campaign at police headquarters today.

Every weekend during the month of December the program provides a ride home for people who have been drinking, while at the same time ensuring the driver’s car is in the driveway in morning.

Program co-ordinator Angele Ducharme explained that a team of three volunteers will pick up the driver and vehicle then deliver them safely to the destination of their choice. One volunteer will drive the volunteer and the car while one follows behind with the other acting as the navigator.

Kirk Kelusky of the North Bay Police Service said the service will once again run the RIDE program every weekend in December and that the service is in full support of the program.

“64-percent of the calls are answered within 5 to 15 minutes,” he states.

“That is well worth the 15-minute wait.”

Not only is the Police Service and the Insurance Bureau of Canada behind the program, but so is MP Anthony Rota and for the third year in a row he has agreed to be the honorary chair.

Mayor Vic Fedeli agrees that the program is worthwhile and put his money where is mouth is pledging two days of the Mayor’s wages to the program.

Officer Chuck Seguin echoed everyone’s sentiments adding that the North Bay Police Association pledged 500-dollars to the program.

“There is no excuse out there for drinking and driving,” he states.

The program has no funding and so it relies on financial support from the public. They are currently accepting donations at 472-NOSE. As well as financial support the program is in need of volunteer drivers. Currently they have 126 drivers and are looking to have at least 300 drivers for December.