Holiday revellers will once again have a safe way to get home.
Operation Red Nose will be running again in Flin Flon and area this holiday season. The program allows people to hitch a ride home in their own vehicle when driving home is not a safe option.
Spearheaded by the Rotary Club, the Red Nose service is free, though volunteer drivers accept donations to be spent on recreational initiatives for youth.
“The importance of this program in the community is twofold,” said Red Nose committee chair Ted Hewitt. “First of all, it’s a program which operates on giving people a safe ride home in their own vehicle. Then, the funds raised are dispersed within the community for organized sports and children’s activities.”
Last year’s campaign raised more than $10,000 for five local groups. While the amount of money raised was lower than in past years, the funds will still help several local projects.
“Almost every park in Flin Flon and Creighton has received funding from us,” said Hewitt. “The soccer field received some funding from us, Camp Whitney, other organized groups like the ski club, minor hockey, soccer clubs. Just about everybody.”
This winter marks the 18th year for Operation Red Nose in Flin Flon.
“If you do the math, it comes out to around $200,000 that we’ve given out in all,” said Hewitt.
Jane Robillard will serve as the honourary chair for the Red Nose organizing committee this year. Robillard has volunteered with Red Nose since it began in Flin Flon.
“I think it’s a phenomenal service to the community,” said Robillard. “It’s a really fun time. We need volunteers, and the community benefits from it.”
Operation Red Nose will run for 10 nights this season: Nov. 25-26, and Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23 and 31.
