Vancouver remains ‘a big black hole’ for Operation Red Nose this season

Operation Red Nose will be offering safe rides again this year in B.C. for its 19th happy holiday season, but the service still isn’t running in Vancouver.

So while you can get the volunteer-operated service to take you and your vehicle home in Surrey, Coquitlam, Port Moody and even Prince George, anyone who doesn’t think they can drive home in Vancouver will have to rely on transit, taxis or professional designated-driver services.

David Latouche, communications and marketing director for Operation Red Nose, said his organization was close to getting an organization to start the service last year in Vancouver.

“When the local non-profit found out how big it would be, they decided they were not strong enough to do things as they should be done,” Latouche said.

Chris Wilson of Operation Red Nose in B.C. said his organization receives numerous calls about service in Vancouver, but can’t help, adding, “It’s a big black hole.”

Using the theme of “This Season, Hand the Reins Over to Us,” Operation Red Nose will run on weekends in 13 B.C. communities beginning Nov. 28 and going to New Year’s Eve.

A team of three volunteers picks up those in need of a ride and drives them home, with one volunteer following in the rider’s vehicle.

Any money raised goes to local youth and amateur sports organizations. “Technically, it’s free — but we encourage donations,” Wilson said.

Considering your vehicle is also being delivered home, Wilson suggests a donation of what the cab fare would be, plus a little extra. But fundraising is not the priority. “We just want to make sure people get home safely. That’s what it’s all about.”

Wilson said Operation Red Nose is always looking for volunteers.

“Not only are they making the roads safe and getting people home safely, they’re raising money for charity,” he said.

Last year in B.C. there were 4,347 volunteers who provided 7,768 rides.

More information is available online at operationrednose.com