Operation Red Nose A Success

Operation Red Nose, an annual campaign that helps keep impaired drivers off the roads, has wrapped up another successful season in Nova Scotia.

Between Nov. 26 and Dec. 18, 322 volunteers offered drives to 1,169 partygoers in Halifax alone. Truro volunteers gave an additional 201 rides, while volunteers in Syndey offered 121.

"I would like to thank the volunteers and the sponsors who made Operation Red Nose possible," said Ramona Jennex, honourary chair of Operation Red Nose and Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

"I would also like to thank the many Nova Scotians who called Operation Red Nose, or made other arrangements to get home over the last few weeks. As the holiday season continues, I urge all Nova Scotians to seek a safe way home. If you drink, don't drive."

Ms. Jennex spent the evening Friday, Dec. 17, at the Burnside headquarters of Operation Red Nose, taking part in driver training and listening to dispatchers respond to calls.

"I was impressed with the dedication of the Operation Red Nose volunteers, who spent their nights working to help keep our roads safe," said Ms. Jennex.

Operation Red Nose is a free designated driver service that offers holiday partygoers a ride home in their own vehicles. For the last six years, the Insurance Bureau of Canada has supported the service, which helps keep impaired drivers off Nova Scotian roads. The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation was also a corporate sponsor.

This sponsorship allows the service to be free. Donations are accepted and given to Safe Grad programs. This year, Operation Red Nose raised $8,578 in Halifax Regional Municipality, which will be matched by the Insurance Bureau of Canada and donated to Safe Grad programs in HRM.

Operation Red Nose was available in 109 communities in eight Canadian provinces.