Holiday season is coming up, and along with it, festive parties replete with eggnog, mistletoe kisses and possibly one too many glasses of holiday cheer.
If you find yourself in this situation, you're no longer stuck taking a cab home and then an additional cab to pick up your vehicle in the morning, or relying on friends and relatives who may also have been nogging it up at the same party.
More importantly, there's no reason to ever say to yourself: "It's only a few minutes away, I should be alright to drive," because Operation Red Nose, the national campaign against impaired driving, is back in the Battlefords for the second straight year.
At the program launch Nov. 5, North Battleford mayor Ian Hamilton said, "I'm very proud of this community for what they offer and continue to offer," adding the Battlefords is the only community in Saskatchewan to offer the program.
Between Nov. 26 and Dec. 31, people in the Battlefords area can call 446-2827 to have a team of volunteers pick them up and drive them home in their own vehicle.
Although the service is free, donations are gratefully accepted and will be given to the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club, who will be organizing the program in partnership with the North Battleford Lions Club.
Last year, the North Battleford Lions Club ran the program on their own and raised over $7,000 through donations and business sponsorships, with about half going towards start-up expenses, such as vests for volunteer drivers, and the other half donated to the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club.
Shawn Hewitt, president of the Lion's Club, said last year 89 volunteers provided 145 rides home.
"We're looking forward to a more successful campaign now that people know it's out there," said Hewitt.
Minister of Transportation Tim McMillan, who was also at the launch, outlined the importance of the initiative, saying, "In 2009, 46 people were killed in alcohol related accidents."
People interested in volunteering can contact Shawn Hewitt at 481-4741.
"It's a great program overall to be a part of," said Hewitt, adding volunteers often make new acquaintances.
Volunteering for Operation Red Nose is a breeze, as volunteers don't need to commit to any more than one night and both criminal record checks and insurance are provided free of charge.
