Operation Red Nose is back in Saskatchewan for its 17th annual safe ride service, sponsored by SGI. It’s available in Saskatoon and area, including Warman and Martensville, as well as in The Battlefords and Prince Albert.

The Millennial Lions Club is the host club in Saskatoon. President Megan Olson explains that if you don’t have a designated driver, you can call Operation Red Nose and a team of three will come to pick you up and take you to your destination. The escort driver will drop off a driver and navigator to get where you need to go and will follow behind to pick the team up. It’s free, but donations are welcomed with proceeds going to local youth or amateur sport organizations, as designated by the host organization.

Last year the Saskatoon team provided 93 trips and had over 108 volunteers helping out, with $3800 donated to charities of the Millennial Lions Club’s choice. Randy Braaten, with the Prince Albert Lions Club, says they gave 170 rides to 370 people last year. Both Braaten and Olson encourage everyone to think about volunteering if they think it’s something they would like to try.

RCMP Sergeant Curtis Little says keeping impaired people from getting behind the wheel, means fewer chances police will have to respond to possibly devastating accidents. “There are just far too many times that it continues to happen. Nothing more devastating than getting a phone call or having someone come to your door, or those family members coming to the scene not knowing what is going on with a loved one, and finding out at some point that the worst has occurred.”

Operation Red Nose runs from November 29th to December 31st. Olson encourages those who are interested to download the Operation Red Nose app.

Once November 29th hits, to arrange a safe ride, call the applicable number below:

The Battlefords: 306-445-1020 or 306-441-4676

Prince Albert: 306-763-6673

Saskatoon, Warman, Martensville: 639-480-6673