THUNDER BAY – Operation Red Nose is being pulled off the road for 2020.
There was just no way to safely conduct it this year, with COVID-19 still a looming threat.
“Given the current public health situation, and considering the logistical impacts on all operations, the decision was made at the national level not to provide the safe ride service this year,” said Brian Edwards, regional fund development and volunteer co-ordinator at St. Jon Ambulance in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
During the holiday season, Operation Red Nose paired volunteers with revelers, to ensure party-goers could get their vehicles home safely without jumping behind the wheel after an evening of imbibing. In return the vehicle owner provided a donation to St. John Ambulance.
“With your support, we have been able to host a local Operation Red Nose awareness campaign and provide financial support to local youth and amateur sports programs, year after year,” Edwards said in a release issued on Wednesday morning.
“The safe ride service will not be available this year, but an awareness and fundraising campaign will be deployed throughout Canada in November. During this unusual period, we believe more than ever in the importance of actions taken by the community for the community.”
The goal is to return in 2021.
“The safety of our volunteers, clients, and local host organizations has always been one of our top priorities,” said Jean-Philippe Giroux, executive director for Operation Red Nose. “The decision was made after long and careful consideration, and not without emotion. We remain convinced that positive initiatives will be possible this holiday season. In the meantime, we want to remind everyone to always plan ahead for a safe way to get home.”
