Volunteers with P.A.'s Operation Red Nose. (Photo Submitted/Randy Braaten)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Keeping The Roads Safe

Operation Red Nose’s return to P.A. raises $3,600 for local youth programming

Jan 4, 2023 | 1:00 PM

After a two-year hiatus, Operation Red Nose was once again back in Prince Albert helping people get home safely over the holidays.

This annual program has been running in communities across the country since 1984, providing rides to those who shouldn’t be behind a steering wheel. The last two years were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over an 11-day span, the Prince Albert Lions Club, which oversees the program, was able to round up multiple volunteers who ended up providing 130 rides helping 275 people get back home.

Randy Braaten, Operation Red Nose coordinator, told paNOW these numbers are slightly down from what they were used to before the pandemic.

“We had two years off and I think people are still getting reintroduced to the program.”

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He explained the actual number of people they drove was only slightly down, as they previously averaged around 300. The number of rides was what actually saw the biggest drop.

Despite the lower totals, those who did take part made quite a few donations. Instead of a set fee for the ride, it’s encouraged people to make a donation towards the program.

In the end, just under $3,600 was raised which will be donated to elementary schools in Prince Albert and surrounding areas to assist with youth programming.

Meanwhile, Braaten is hoping to see a bigger turnout next year. This includes getting as many volunteers as possible.

“It’s very important to get out there and keep the streets as safe as we can over the holidays,” he said. “People are partying, and you want to make sure they get home safe.”

Braaten also thanked everyone who helped out during this year’s program. This included local car dealers who provided their shuttles to be used as escort vehicles, pizza places and donut shops who provided food and drinks for the volunteers, and all the businesses who helped spread the word of Operation Red Nose’s return.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow