Operation Red Nose has kicked off its annual safe ride campaign in Saskatoon, offering people a safe way home while raising money for two local organizations. “Across the country our goal remains the same, to offer one more way to get home safe for everyone who wants to celebrate responsibly during the holiday season,” said Marie-Chantal Fortin, national development coordinator for Operation Red Nose. Operation Red Nose sends teams of volunteers to drive people and their vehicles home safely. Fortin said the program will serve about 600 communities across Canada this year. The Saskatoon Millennium Lions Club is running the initiative in Saskatoon, Warman and Martensville. Tom Armstrong says the club is looking for volunteers, and the initiative offers a chance to meet people while giving back to the community. “You meet a lot of really nice people. Not only other volunteers, but our clients. We met some people, and we see them every year when they want a ride home,” Armstrong said. Shuttle vehicles and fuel are provided for drivers. Those interested in volunteering are asked to call 306-222-1449 or 306-249-4949. SGI supports the campaign, reminding drivers about the dangers of getting behind the wheel while impaired. “The reality is that impaired driving is just not a traffic safety issue; it’s a decision that can alter lives forever. I know this personally. My family lost someone that we love dearly, because someone made a choice to drive impaired,” said Michael San Miguel, a representative with SGI. Police say the program plays an important role in preventing impaired driving. “It makes a huge difference. It saves our resources and it stops a lot of tragedy from occurring in the first place,” said Cst. Paul Jones with the RCMP. The Saskatoon Police Service is also on board. “We’re proud to support Operation Red Nose, a program that promotes responsible choices, helps keep our roads safe and gives back to our community,” said Insp. Tony Landry with the Saskatoon Police Service. Operation Red Nose runs on donations. The Saskatoon Millennium Lions Club says it collected more than $6,000 last year, with proceeds split between the Saskatoon Lions Speedskating Club and Ronald McDonald House. Tammy Forrester, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan, said the money helps support the roughly 1,500 families the organization welcomes each year. “It’s a really good third-party support mechanism for us. We can then put it towards programming and family supports and food and whatever families need here in the house,” Forrester said. The ride service begins Nov. 28 and will operate on weekends throughout the holiday season, with volunteers taking calls from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. It will pause over Christmas and Boxing Day before resuming on New Year’s Eve. Armstrong said clients must have their vehicle registration on hand, and enough seat belts for everyone, including the Operation Red Nose driver and navigator. Rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and cannot be booked in advance. Those looking for a ride can call (639-480-6673) or use the Operation Red Nose app.
