The number of people using Operation Red Nose in Williams Lake is up by 30 per cent from last year.
By the end of Dec. 23 volunteers had made 235 trips, transporting more than 450 people.
“We’ve covered more than 3,500 kilometres taking people home,” safer communities co-ordinator Dave Dickson said.
Volunteer numbers are up in 2012 as well.
Rides are free, and for people that have a vehicle that needs to be driven home for them.
“If people call that don’t have a car, we tell them to call a taxi. We don’t want to compete with local cab operators,” Dickson said.
While he was planning for this year’s service, Dickson approached the four local organizations that will benefit from any proceeds collected if by chance riders happen to make donations.
As a result, Kids Sport, Blue Fins Swim Club, Williams Lake Skate Club and the Williams Lake Gymnastics Club — have committed to two nights of driving, with three teams of three drivers.
“They also had to provide a team for New Year’s Eve,” Dickson said.
In addition members of the RCMP, community policing’s Citizens on Patrol, and Rotary Clubs, have also donated time to drive.
Local car dealerships have donated the use of vehicles and fuel, the Child Development Centre the use of its building for a headquarters, and ICBC covers the insurance costs.
And no one goes hungry either, thanks to donations of food from Panago Pizza and Taylor Made Cakes.
The next and final night to access the service is New Year’s Eve by calling 250-392-2222.
