Operation Red Nose has been a program running for about 20 years in the Bay of Quinte area.
For the 2024 campaign, realtor Patricia Guernsey and former Belleville Police Chief Mike Callaghan are serving are serving as co-chairs.
Guernsey, Callaghan, and YMCA Central East Ontario President Dave Allen joined the Lorne Brooker Show on Thursday.
Guernsey says that for those new to the program it is simple.
“This program saves so many lives and it’s so simple. Go to your party, have an amazing time, phone Red Nose when you’re ready to come home. Let three people come and pick you up and drive you and your party home safely.”
You call Operation Red Nose at (613) 962-4334 on nights of operation and request a ride home. Three people show up. One drives the clients and their vehicle home, while the other vehicle has a driver and navigator.
Callaghan says as an officer, he saw far too many lives ruined by alcohol and impairment.
“You know I reflect back upon my days when I was on patrol. The number of lives that were lost needlessly. If they had just made a call to Operation Red Nose, taken a cab. When you stop and just boil it down to that single common denominator. Make the call, stay alive.”
Donations for the program are gladly accepted.
This year, 100 per cent of the proceeds will go to support the Strong Kids Campaign.
YMCA President Dave Allen.
“A child wants to go to camp, we can provide financial assistance to offset those costs. A family wants to join the Y , we can offset those costs for them. All of those things get encompassed under our Strong Kids umbrella. That is our brand for our fundraising campaign.”
CLICK HERE if you wish to volunteer.
DATES OF OPERATION
Friday November 28 – 8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (last call)
Saturday November 29 – 8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (last call)
Friday December 6 – 8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (last call)
Saturday December 7 – 8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (last call)
Friday December 13 – 8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (last call)
Saturday December 14 – 8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (last call)
Friday December 20 – 8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (last call)
Saturday December 21 – 8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (last call)
Friday December 27 – 8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (last call)
Saturday December 28 – 8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (last call)
Tuesday December 31 – 8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (last call)
