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Designated driver service seeks volunteers

North Shore program raised $20,000 for youth last year
orn volunteers

Starting this weekend, holiday merrymakers on the North Shore will have another option when it comes to getting home safely.

Operation Red Nose kicks off the season Nov. 24 and its red-vested volunteers will be providing rides by donation to drivers who have been drinking or are too tired to drive themselves home. The designated driver service is unique in that one volunteer will drive your vehicle, a second volunteer will navigate, and a third volunteer will follow in an escort vehicle to pick up the other two volunteers once they drop you off.

As always, the availability of rides in North and West Vancouver depends on the number of volunteers who sign up to help keep roads safe over the busy party season.

“We’re always looking for volunteers. It’s what makes the whole operation tick,” says Roger Thomey, co-chair of Operation Red Nose North Shore and a Rotary Club of Lions Gate member.

Operation Red Nose is available in more than 100 communities throughout seven provinces in Canada. The service launched in B.C. in 1996 and has been on the North Shore since 2001. The local program is organized by the four North Shore Rotary Clubs.

“Last year we had over 200 North Shore volunteers and we delivered 274 cars and car owners home safely,” Thomey says.

Thomey has been volunteering with Operation Red Nose for three years and says it’s rewarding to know you’re helping someone end their celebratory night safely. He adds that the service is confidential and volunteers are non-judgemental.

“You get a call, you go, you pick someone up, and you feel good about getting them home safely,” he says.

For those who want to volunteer but don’t want to drive, there are also plenty of opportunities at the dispatch office, located at the District of North Vancouver Fire Training Centre on Denis Avenue. Thomey says friends and family members often volunteer together and people can sign up to help on just one night or several.

“There are some people that actually volunteer every night, a very small core group of people, but they do volunteer every night. It is amazing.”

Money raised through donations will be used by the Rotary Clubs to support youth programs in the community.

“It’s a free service, but of course donations are always welcome,” Thomey says. “In 2016 we raised over $20,000 for youth programs here on the North Shore.”

The ride service will be available in North and West Vancouver from 9 p.m.-3 a.m. on Nov. 24 and 25, and Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 and 31. Revelers looking for a lift can call 604-362-2227 (only in operation on days of service) or download the Operation Red Nose app. There are no reservations; rides are available on a first come, first served basis.

If you are interested in volunteering with Operation Red Nose North Shore, call Joy Jones at 604-319-9075 or email volunteer@operationrednosenorthshore.com.
Visit operationrednosenorthshore.com for more information.