Operation Red Nose looking for volunteers as holiday season ramps up

Operation Red Nose in Manitoba is in full swing, and it’s looking for drivers to get behind the wheel to ensure those enjoying a cup of cheer can get home safely this holiday season.

The organization is run on volunteers. And while it has 150 signed up already, spokesperson Elisha Dacey says it is still looking for more than 100 to fill its roster.

“Volunteer-wise we’re on our way, but we’re still short,” she said. “Throughout the season it tends to get busier as we go along, as Christmas parties happen and holiday parties happen, and of course New Year’s Eve is always, always the big one. So we’re hopeful to fill those slots before then.”

Dacey says they’re hoping to have between 250 and 300 volunteers sign up for the service in 2024 and says the experience is a rewarding one.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “I’ve done the driving thing before. You meet some great people and it’s very safe too. You’re with a team of three people, and you get to go all over the city and meet new people.

“It’s always been a blast, so if you have a spare night and if you have a vehicle, or even if you don’t, you can still volunteer and help us out, that would be great.”

Winnipeggers have come out in the past to support Operation Red Nose, and Dacey says she’s confident they’ll meet their volunteer goals this year as well.