If you’re planning on having a few drinks while out celebrating this festive season, don’t count on Operation Red Nose for a lift home.
The program, which helps those who have consumed alcohol get home safely and responsibly during the holidays, will not operate in Edmonton this year due to a lack of resources.
The Spirit Keeper Youth Society operated the national program last year, but has been downsized from 20 staff to four amidst cutbacks.
“It’s quite a big project,” said Sean Syrenne, executive director. “We didn’t have the people or the space.”
The society did reach out to a few other volunteer organizations in the community, but none were in a position to take it on.
The news is disappointing, said Clair Seyler, spokesperson for Edmonton Police Service, but police will continue to provide an education campaign including checkstops.
