Local initiative to get people home safely back in 2023
After a few years off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Operation Red Nose is returning to our community and wants to let residents and volunteer groups interested in helping to know that they are back.
“Operation Red Nose is a service that is provided to communities by volunteer groups to drive people and their cars homes safely,” said Leslie Hanson, the Selkirk co-coordinator for Operation Red Nose.
The initiative takes place over the holiday season and is a way to reduce drinking under the influence. People that don’t feel they are in a good place to drive home can call Operation Red Nose’s headquarter’s number and request a pickup.
Because it’s been a few years since groups have taken part Hanson wants to let people know that this event is happening again this year and hopes that sponsors and community groups will come back to support.
“We’re hoping this year, I know COVID is still around, but I’m hoping that the volunteers. I know all the youth sports organizations, they’re all back at it. So hopefully, we won’t have a hard time getting volunteers,” she said.
What happens during the event is volunteers over the age of 18 with a clean record check in teams of three get a phone call from someone needing a ride. The team goes out and picks up the person then drives them back in their vehicle to their destination. This service is free, however, donations are accepted and go back to the community groups that supply the volunteers.
“That way, you get your car home safely, and you’re not having to go back the next day to pick up your car. It’s quite convenient for a lot of people,” said Hanson.
The volunteers that help at this event are primarily involved with youth sports organizations and donations and support for the night’s volunteering is given to the groups they represent, however, there are also people in the community who volunteer for the comradery and the satisfaction that comes with keeping their community a safer place.
Right now, Hanson is looking for groups to take part so that they can get volunteers ready in advance for the event.
“We’re not quite sure what kind of response we’re going to get. But we’re hoping that we’ll get a fairly good response,” said Hanson.
The nights that Operation Red Nose will Operate are Nov. 24 and 25, Dec, 1, 2 8, 9, 15, 16 and 31.
“Giving back to the community and knowing that you’re keeping your community safe during the holiday season. It’s a really good feeling. I always say to people it is a lot of fun. You tell people you might be up most of the night, and they kind of look at you [funny] but it really is. I always encourage people because the people who would typically phone to get a ride are very responsible people. They know that they shouldn’t be driving and they’re so grateful and thankful. You get a lot of love and during the holiday season, it’s always nice to get a lot of love from people,” said Hanson.
She also mentioned that if anyone is interested in sponsoring the event in any way they would greatly appreciate it as the sponsorships allow them to give back to the community groups that volunteer. If anyone including local businesses are interested in sponsoring they can contact Hanson.
If you’re a representative from an interested group in the community please give Hanson a ring or shoot her a text at 204-485-1407 for more information. You can also check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/Operation-Red-Nose-Selkirk-100064533259524/
