Operation Red Nose began in 1984, founded by Dr. Jean-Marie De Koninck in Quebec City as a community-driven alternative to impaired driving during the holiday season.
The concept was simple: volunteers would drive people home in their own vehicles so that no one had to risk driving under the influence. The program quickly gained momentum, expanding across Quebec and eventually into other provinces through partnerships with local non-profits, service clubs, and emergency-service organizations. Today, Operation Red Nose operates in communities across Canada during the peak festive period, helping reduce impaired driving incidents while raising funds that directly support local youth programs and community charities.
Operation Red Nose launches locally on Saturday November 29, bringing back a trusted holiday season service that helps ensure Northumberland residents get home safely after festive gatherings and raises funds for community programs through the YMCA Strong Communities Campaign.
So how does it work?
The volunteer-powered service sends teams of three drivers to pick people up at their location and drive both them and their vehicles safely home.
The campaign has become a vital fundraiser in Northumberland. Longtime volunteer and local Red Nose supporter Dan Bulger, Broker of Record, Realty Executives Pentel Ltd., says the benefits extend far beyond the ride home.
Those interested in booking a ride or volunteering can find details online, and Reed notes a new phone line is now in operation for 2025.
Operation Red Nose will be active on select dates including November 29, December 6, 13, 19, 20 and New Year’s Eve, with service running from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. each night.
To book a ride you can call 905-376-1207.
More information is available at ymcanrt.org/orn.
(Written by Joseph Goden with files from York Bell Smith)