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“Lethbridge is recognized as one of the best operations in Canada,” said Sandy Slavin, executive director of Sport and Recreation Services at the University of Lethbridge at Thursday’s launch.
Operation Red Nose offers people and their vehicles a safe ride home and is a major fundraiser for Pronghorn Athletics. The service is free but donations are accepted. Some 700 rides were given by about 600 volunteers last year and approximately $30,000 was raised. The 14-year total is estimated at more than $350,000 for Pronghorn teams and more than 13,000 rides.
“It’s huge,” said Janice Cougle, a member of the three-time national champion Pronghorn women’s rugby team. “It helps out so much with our funding.”
The success of the program is due in large part to dedicated sponsors, Slavin said. The Insurance Bureau of Canada offers education, poster materials and insurance to operate the program. Gas King, Tim Hortons and the City of Lethbridge are prime supporters. Lethbridge regional police provide volunteer checks and act as a resource to the program.
“It’s great to see a community that’s committed in so many ways,” said Police Chief Tom McKenzie. “There’s just absolutely no excuse to drink and drive.”
With more than 318 reported incidents of impaired driving so far this year, he urged citizens to take advantage of the program.
U of L president Bill Cade echoed that advice and added Operation Red Nose helps cut down on drinking and driving and lessens the chances the holiday season will end in a family tragedy.
A successful Operation Red Nose depends on hundreds of volunteers who act as drivers, navigators, escorts and dispatchers. Slavin estimates 700 volunteers will be needed this holiday season. Usually the majority of volunteers are coaches, athletes and their friends but additional volunteers are needed to fill the gap when students go home after final exams.
Operation Red Nose will offer its first rides Nov. 27 and 28 and then run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Dec. 3 to Dec. 19 and again on New Year’s Eve. The service runs from 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. Volunteers usually provide service in 30 minutes or less, depending on the volume of requests. Call 403-320-4155 to use the service.
For more information about the program, Christmas party reservations or to volunteer, call Pronghorn Athletics at 403-329-2681. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to sign up soon.