Thanks to Operation Red Nose (ORN), everyone can take advantage of a safely guided sleigh this Christmas season. For the sixth year running, the St. Malo chapter of ORN will provide designated driver services to virtually the entire rural southeast. Their territory covers every community between Dominion City and Grande Pointe, Vita and Lowe Farm.

Beginning November 28, the volunteer-based program will be available each and every Friday and Saturday night until Christmas, and then once more on New Year’s Eve.

There is no cost to use the service, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Bob and Crystal Adolphe are the coordinators of this year’s ORN St. Malo program. Joining them for the first time is Bill Marsh, a 20-year veteran of the program who will provide volunteer training and ride night logistics.

“Having lived and worked in rural southeast Manitoba my whole life, I realize that transportation options can be an issue, especially during the holiday season,” says Bob. “Being able to be a part of this important initiative… is an honour.”

He and Crystal were drawn to the position because it provides a sound solution to keeping Manitoba’s roads safer for everyone during the holidays. Beyond that, the organization also donates all its revenue to local charities.

“It’s such a meaningful way to make a difference,” he adds. “Whether as a sponsor, a volunteer, a team member, or a ride client.”

Each year, the charity recipients are chosen by volunteers.

 The Operation Red Nose awareness campaign has been active since 1984. Each chapter operates its own headquarters where calls are received. Dispatch lines open to the public at 9:00 p.m. on designated ride nights.

Volunteer drivers and riders, located across the region, are dispatched to the calls that are closest to them. It takes at least three volunteers to respond to each call. They arrive at the requested pickup location and drive the client and their vehicle safely home.

“It takes about 150 volunteers for the whole campaign,” Bob says. “That includes the dispatch and volunteer riders. So far we have 45 spots filled so we are definitely still looking for many more.”

As in previous years, one call to ORN St. Malo is all it takes to get a client home from any pickup location.

“We will once again coordinate with any other ORN. So let’s say somebody’s in Tolstoi and they need to go to Winnipeg. It’s out of our catchment, but we’ll make it work.”

One Insurance Group and Sandbox Mutual Insurance are coming alongside as sponsors of this year’s ride event. In addition, they will provide volunteers on designated ride nights.