Operation Red Nose:
Over 4000 Safe Rides in British Columbia
Burnaby,
January 2, 2007 – The BC Crime Prevention Association teamed up with
non-profit organizations to provide over 4000 safe rides to BC motorists
this holiday season. Operation Red Nose (ORN) was hosted in 8
regions in the Province throughout the holiday season with the support of
provincial sponsors the Autoplan Broker Road Safety Program, ICBC and CTV.
The 2006
campaign succeeded in providing 580 more
rides than in 2005, despite the same number of regions operating
throughout the province. As the demand for the service grows, so
does the need for volunteers to run the service. In 2006, 2438
volunteers donated their time throughout the campaign in B.C. and drove
more than 100,000 km across the province.
Since 1996
the Autoplan Brokers and ICBC have supported Operation Red Nose which is
considered to be the ‘original safe ride home’ program in Canada.
Founded in Quebec City in 1984 by Jean-Marie De Koninck this free and
confidential designated driver program allows drivers a safe alternative
to getting home, as clients are driven home in their own vehicle.
All
donations received through the service are 100% returned to the community
in support of youth programs in each of the 8 host regions. The 2006
campaign generated over $75,000 in support of local youth sports
initiatives in B.C.
Executive
Director, Valerie MacLean of the BC Crime Prevention Association states,
“It is tremendous to see the service exceed 4000 rides this year in B.C.
We could not have accomplished safer roads without the support of our
provincial sponsors the Autoplan Broker Road Safety Program, ICBC and CTV
as well as our local host organizations and the thousands of volunteers.
Our Provincial Spokesperson CTV Weathercaster Tamara Taggart has also
contributed significantly in promoting the ORN Program.”
The BC Crime
Prevention Association would like to thank B.C.’s Operation Red Nose
local host organizations for their dedication to crime prevention and for
making this year’s Operation Red Nose a huge success: PacificSport
Fraser Valley; PacificSport Vancouver Island; PacificSport Interior B.C.;
Langley Gymnastics Foundation; Delta Gymnastics Society, The Rotary Clubs
of the North Shore; The Rotary Club of Prince George – Nechako; and the
Chilliwack Restorative Action and Youth Advocacy Association.
Visit www.operationrednose.com
for a full review of the program and watch for the program next year in
your community. For more information on how to become involved in ORN call
the B.C. Crime Prevention Association at 604-291-9959 local 223 or email l.boullard@bccpa.org
