Organizers of Operation Red Nose say they’re off to a great start, raising almost $1,200 in its first weekend.
Volunteers of the program – that gives revellers who have been drinking a safe drive home during the holiday party season — kept 70 cars and 153 passengers off the roads and highways last Friday and Saturday, with each team driving five or more rides per night.
“I think we had a little bump in the funds raised, so we definitely saw very generous patrons out this weekend,” said Corinne MacLellan, regional coordinator for Operation Red Nose.
MacLellan said the campaign is on par with what is expected in the first weekend. On Friday and Saturday, 43 volunteers worked on 12 teams to drive more than 2,200 kilometres.
“Historically, our third weekend is the busiest weekend and we are geared up,” she said. “We have plenty of volunteers but were always happy to welcome more volunteers.”
Funds raised by Operation Red Nosed are donated to safe grad programs in the Halifax Regional School Board. The Insurance Bureau of Canada will match the total funds raised. Last year, the campaigne raised more than $15,000.
