If you're planning to celebrate the holidays this year as festive as you can under current public health guidelines, that means you’ll have to arrange your own safe ride home.
Operation Red Nose (ORN) has decided it won’t offer its 2020 services in Prince George as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, citing potential health and logistical impacts on the community and the non-profit.
The northern capital team is one of many across Canada that won’t be operating as well.
“The safety of our volunteers, clients, and local-host organizations has always been one of our top priorities,” says ORN National Executive Director Jean-Philippe Giroux in a statement today (Oct. 7).
“The decision was made after long and careful consideration, and not without emotion. We remain convinced that positive initiatives will be possible this holiday season. In the meantime, we want to remind everyone to always plan ahead for a safe way to get home.”
In 2019, ORN experienced one of its busiest seasons on record in Prince George, providing 905 rides by 200 volunteers that included 24 road teams and 141 rides on New Year’s Eve.
In 2018, 959 rides were delivered, while in 2017, a total of 838 motorists used the service.
All donations, averaging $27,000 a year according to ORN, collected from safe rides go towards youth and amateur sports organizations in Prince George.
While no services will be provided this year, ORN says it plans to unveil a 2020 awareness campaign in November.
“Operation Red Nose Prince George wishes to thank all volunteers and sponsors for their support year after year,” says spokesperson Andrea Johnson.
“The 2020 campaign will certainly be different, but we know that we will be able to count on their support to get through this unusual period and meet again in 2021, with our red vests on, to safely drive people home in our community.”
ORN is encouraging the public that choose to ring in the holidays to plan ahead by calling a relative, cab or assigning a designated driver.
