Operation Red Nose returns following hiatus; in need of volunteers
A vital seasonal service in Winnipeg is back this year following a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, Operation Red Nose.
But Winnipeg coordinator Sharra Hinton says it’s a little slow getting out of the gate.
“We’re excited about being back, it takes a little bit to get things into motion again,” said Hinton.
Operation Red Nose in Winnipeg provides 1,100 to 1,200 rides for people and their vehicles to get home safely during holiday festivities.
For volunteers, 700 spots need to be filled for the weekends between late November and New Years. So far, only 150 applications for volunteers have been received.
“We’re a little bit light on volunteers,” said Hinton.
Hinton says some of their volunteer base has retired, and for others, Operation Red Nose is not top of mind because of the two-year break.
She says if they don’t fill all of their volunteer spots, it means some clients may have to wait a little longer for their rides.
“And they start making not the best of decisions they go…'I’ll just drive home,' you know that sort of thing, and that’s what we really try to avoid.”
With no COVID restrictions and people feeling more comfortable partying in person this season, safe rides home could be in high demand.
Event planner Emma Singh says she’s busy with corporate events.
“We are seeing, you know, an inundation of requests for holiday parties,” said Singh.
Singh says many businesses see this as a way to get their employees, some working from home, back together.
“We’re just feeling the energy and the excitement of these live events again, people are just so excited to see each other, to dress up, to go somewhere,” said Singh.
MADD Canada says while this season is looking different than the last few, it hopes people will make the right choice and take a safe ride home if they’ve consumed drugs or alcohol. Winnipeg Chapter President Trevor Ens says Operation Red Nose is one of those options.
“Organizations like these depend on volunteers to provide this service and continue their great work,” said Ens.
Hinton says they’re in good shape for the first two weekends and is confident they’ll have enough people when things ramp up in mid-December.
“Maybe the snow that we got overnight will help us a little bit, you know kind of shift from it’s summer to, you know, Christmas is just around the corner,” said Hinton.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.