‘We’re at urgent need levels’: Operation Red Nose short of New Year’s Eve volunteers

Operation Red Nose is putting out a call for help for volunteers on Dec. 31.

With New Year’s Eve right around the corner, Operation Red Nose Winnipeg is issuing a call for volunteers to assist with its busiest night of the year.

The free designated driver program says it’s short about one-third of the necessary volunteers needed to handle the expected call volume.

“We’re at urgent need levels,” said Elisha Dacey with Operation Red Nose, in a news release.

The nonprofit currently has 10 teams signed up but needs an additional 20 teams, or 60 more people.

Volunteers are grouped into teams of three consisting of a client driver, who takes the vehicle to the passenger’s home; a navigator who assists them; and an escort driver who follows their car en route.

Volunteers also don’t need to worry about incurring personal costs associated with carrying out their duties. Escort vehicles are reimbursed for gas, and dinner is served to all volunteers.

In 2024, the program gave 1,108 safe rides across Winnipeg.

Those interested in helping out are asked to fill out a volunteer application on Operation Red Nose’s website.