From left to right: Lynn Braaten, John Alexanderson and Randy Braaten spoke to local media on Monday about the upcoming season. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Operation Red Nose returns to Prince Albert for 13th year

Nov 10, 2025 | 5:00 PM

In a couple of weeks, volunteers with Operation Red Nose will be dashing through the snow, ensuring party goers have a safe ride home.

The free nationally run service returns to Prince Albert streets on Nov. 28 and will run every following weekend before wrapping up on New Year’s Eve. Locally, the service will once again be hosted by the Lions Club. Coordinator Randy Braaten said there is a need for volunteers. Last year, 102 volunteers travelled over 2,400 kilometers and raised $7,700 for 11 local elementary schools.

“The more people we have come out, the faster we can get people picked up. Especially on New Year’s Eve, we get people stacked up and waiting in the queue to be picked up, and so if we have more volunteers, we have more teams out in the road,” he said.

Volunteer teams, made up of an escort driver, a designated driver and a navigator, ensure the clients and their vehicles get home safe.

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

12 Best Tips to Spend Less at Christmas

Nov 18, 2025

Cybercrime response

Prince Albert Police Service 'limited in scope' to properly investigate fraud crimes

Nov 17, 2025

An escort vehicle, provided by a local dealership, follows and picks up the driver and takes them to the next pick up or back to headquarters for coffee and food. Last year in Prince Albert the service provided 148 rides to 347 clients. Braaten noted the volunteer commitment is not massive, as a person can come out one night, two nights, or multiple weekends

“It’s fun and you get to drive all sorts of different vehicles,” he commented.

John Alexandersen is a longtime volunteer and mostly runs the dispatch.

“But I definitely enjoy giving the rides as well. It’s fun to get out there and interact with the patrons, and get them home safe,” he said.

Nationwide, Operation Red Nose has provided more than 2.4 million safe rides across Canada since its creation in 1984, thanks to the efforts of about 1.7 million volunteers.

The organization has also raised and distributed more than $36 million to support local youth and amateur sports programs.

In Saskatchewan, alongside Prince Albert, the safe-ride service also operates in the Battlefords and Saskatoon.

Anyone wishing to volunteer, can call (306) 763-6673 or email princealbert@operationrednose.com.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell