Ken Boshcoff says he’s shocked with the number of drivers in the city who can’t provide proof of insurance.
The city councillor, who also heads Operation Red Nose, said he believes as many as 25 per cent of people who try to use the holiday ride home either don’t have insurance or can’t prove they do.
And if a potential beneficiary doesn’t have insurance, Operation Red Nose can’t drive them home. There have been a number of cases where people say they have insurance, but when a volunteer shows up to drive the person’s car home, the liability card is either expired or not there at all.
Boshcoff is reminding people to check their information before calling.
“If you don’t have insurance, please don’t blame Operation Red Nose. We just can’t take you,” Boshcoff said.
Not only can those people not get a ride home, but it means delays for other people wanting to use the service.
Even though there are more than 130 volunteers this year working 10 to 12 teams a night, there are wait times.
“You’re basically taking someone else’s ride temporarily,” Boshcoff said.
While he won’t know total numbers until the campaign is over, Boshcoff said everything about Operation Red Nose, from rides home to volunteers and donations, are way up this year. Red Nose has raised more than $8,000 so far. Three-hundred-and-sixty-one volunteers have given 510 rides totaling 9,708 kilometres.
“People are knowing it as part of the fabric of the city during the holiday season and the awareness is there,” he said. “People know they know the number and they’re calling.”
Operation Red Nose will be in service Friday and again on Dec. 29 and Dec. 30. While he hopes the campaign can operate on New Year’s Eve in the future, Boshcoff said right now there just aren’t enough volunteers to meet the demand.
Operation Red Nose is a fundraising initiative for St. John’s Ambulance.
Volunteers will drive a person and their car home during the holiday season. Donations are appreciated but not necessary Boshcoff said. The average is $15.
“We will take you for free if you can’t afford it because we’d rather get you and your vehicle home safely.”
To arrange a ride, call 683-6673. Hours are from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
