THUNDER BAY -- Rides might be down but donations are up for Operation Red Nose so far this year.
The service, which will pick up a driver and their car if they've been drinking, has given 599 rides this year, down about 60 from this time last year. But while the service is free, people have been donating generously, in some cases hundreds of dollars. That's brought the total to $10,500 with two days left.
"Overall it's been a fantastic year," St. John Ambulance fund development coordinator Jennifer McKeown said.
"The citizens of Thunder Bay have been very very supportive."
Demand is still high but it can only be met if Red Nose has enough volunteers. On Saturday, there were only five teams available. That means less calls can be answered.
"Our phones are still ringing off the hook," McKeown said.
For the first time ever Red Nose will be available Boxing Day. McKeown said there are enough volunteers for Friday but the more there are, the more people in the community can use the service.
Anyone interested in volunteering can call 345-1712
