Last year, Langley and Surrey had no Operation Red Nose to help drivers who’d indulged in a bit too much holiday cheer get home safely.
This year, some local organization can to step up and help out.
Operation Red Nose (ORN) is a volunteer driver service that takes place throughout much of Metro Vancouver each holiday season. On weekends near Christmas and New Year’s Eve, drivers will pick you up and ferry you and your car home.
Donations to support the volunteer group are accepted, but not mandatory, to help encourage participation.
The previous organizer for Langley-Surrey has had to pull out, and as of this date, no replacement has been found.
ORN is looking for a local registered non-profit, preferably one that works with youths or youth sports, to take charge in Langley.
The Red Nose group will send out their volunteers to help pick up those inebriated, and not just by alcohol.
Given that marijuana legalization takes place in October, it’s probably going to be a very green Christmas, and some people will be too stoned to drive. Getting a good local organization now will help out with that anticipated influx.
While a charity’s own members and supporters will likely make up the core of the driver teams, starting early means more time for community members to volunteer. There are still Operation Red Nose drivers out there who are likely willing to take another turn behind the wheel.
This Christmas, here’s hoping for a safer season on local roads.
– M.C.
