THUNDER BAY – Last year, 665 drivers who’d been out celebrating the Christmas season with a little holiday cheer, were kept from behind the wheel thanks to Operation Red Nose.
Diane Sustawenko, executive director at St. John Ambulance’s Northwestern Ontario chapter, said they’re hopeful even more revelers will take part in this year’s rendition of the long-running program, which sees volunteers drive the vehicles of participants home after a night of fun in return for a donation.
“It’s a free chauffeur service, basically, that gets people home over the holiday season, who just feel unfit to driver for whatever reason,” Sustawenko said on Wednesday, helping to launch this year’s program, which runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, starting next Friday and concluding on Dec. 28.
While the message of not drinking and driving has been driven home for decades, not every seems to be listening.
Const. Diana Cole of the Ontario Provincial Police said officers in the Northwest Region made 38 impaired driving during last year’s Festive Ride campaign – which is 38 too many.
That included five incidents investigated by Thunder Bay OPP, who held 218 RIDE programs during the five-week effort targeting impaired drivers.
“The OPP is committed to ensuring Ontario roads are safe from alcohol and drug-impaired drivers. No amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe when driving. Impaired driving can quickly turn a joyous time of year – or any time of year for that matter – into a tragedy. We’re asking motorists not to drive while impaired, whether by alcohol, drugs or a combination of both,” Cole said.
More drivers should take advantage of a program like Operation Red Nose, she said.
“There are many other alternatives, including utilizing this wonderful Operation Red Nose program for a safe ride home.”
The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Vehicle owners must have proof of valid insurance and their vehicles must be in good working order or they won’t qualify to be driven home via Operation Red Nose.
Money raised benefits a number of St. John Ambulance programs, including Grade 3 and 6 school safety education, car seat safety and inspection, the St. John Ambulance Youth Unit 1132, SJA Connect and PAWS for stories, in which students are able to read to a dog through the therapy dog program.
Last year the program had about 101 volunteers taking part and those numbers appear to be down in 2019. Organizers are asking anyone who might be interested in volunteering to phone them at 345-1712 Ext. 2.
Once the program is up and running next Friday, those seeking rides should phone 683-NOSE.
