Operation Red Nose is celebrating a decade of keeping Northumberland roads safer, with YMCA Northumberland marking ten years of delivering safe rides home during the holiday season.
The volunteer-driven program, which operates on weekend nights and special holidays, will run for one final night this year on New Year’s Eve, making December 31 the last opportunity for residents to use the service in 2025.
With one final night of service coming up on New Year’s Eve, the Y’s Kathryn Harrison says volunteer support has been tremendous.
Operation Red Nose provides a unique service by driving both callers and their vehicles home, using teams of trained volunteers.
The approach helps prevent impaired driving while ensuring participants and their cars arrive safely. Service runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and rides can be requested by calling 905-376-1207.
The program is supported by dozens of community partners and sponsors. Chair Sponsors include Avanessy Giordano LLP Personal Injury Lawyers and Realty Executives Pentel Ltd., Brokerage. The Sleigh Sponsor is LiUNA! Local 183.
Media Sponsors include Oldies 100.9, 93.3 myFM, and Classic Rock 107.9. Holiday Helper Sponsors include Enbridge, Protoplast Inc., Quantrill Chevrolet, and the Cobourg Lions Club. Fuel support is provided by Part-Time CFO Services, while Gift Sponsors include Finlay Construction, Behan Construction, and Custom Plastics International.
In-kind food donations supporting volunteers have been provided by Arthur’s Pub, Domino’s Pizza Cobourg, Boston Pizza Cobourg, Millstone, Cobourg Foodland, The Mill Restaurant, and Stronger’s Auto Spa & Accessories.
All donations collected through Operation Red Nose support YMCA Northumberland’s Strong Communities campaign, helping improve access to programs and services across the region.
There are a few spots left if you’re interested in volunteering on New Year’s Eve – check out https://ymcanrt.org/orn/ for more info on a great night helping friends and neighbours have a safe and healthy New Year.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
