Operation Red Nose Winnipeg will be stuck at a red light unless it can raise some serious cash in the coming weeks.
The volunteer committee behind the free designated-driver program is asking for the public’s help as it seeks to raise $100,000 by Nov. 15 so that it can operate during the upcoming holiday season.
“We know Winnipeggers are a generous lot, so I’m hopeful we can get this off the ground,” says Elisha Dacey, the committee’s volunteer media liaison.
TREVOR HAGAN / FREE PRESS FILES
Rudy, the Operation Red Nose reindeer mascot.
The money raised will pay for things such as gas, volunteer space, new phones and upgrading the organization’s website and app.
Many people are under the impression that Operation Red Nose covers its operating costs using the donations drivers accept when they give people rides, Dacey says, but that’s not the case.
Rides are free and drivers accept voluntary donations that go to the host charity.
Manta Swim Club was the host charity for 28 years, but the club bowed out of running Operation Red Nose earlier this year as it was no longer a viable fundraiser for its organization.
Winnipeg Kids Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth, announced at the beginning of October that it is taking over.
Manitoba Public Insurance and Safety Services Manitoba are sponsors of the program..
“They’re always fantastic but we just need a little more help,” Dacey says. “The $100,000 is a target. We’re hopeful that if we get even part of that that we’ll be able to go forward.”
Operation Red Nose has operated in Winnipeg since 1995. From the last weekend of November through New Year’s Eve, volunteers help get people, their passengers and their vehicles to their destination if they are intoxicated, fatigued or just feel unsafe to drive.
In addition to Winnipeg, Operation Red Nose operates in a few other communities in southern Manitoba.
Last year, the organization gave 2,203 rides to Manitobans, raising more than $50,000 for charities across the province. More than 1,700 volunteers pitched in to make it possible.
Dacey started volunteering with a driving team a few years ago. She was inspired to get involved after the death of her cousin, who died in a car collision while driving impaired.
“It’s so easy to make the wrong decision when you’ve had a couple drinks,” she says. “You look at your car… and you think, ‘I should be OK to drive home,’ and then you aren’t.”
If people who use the service aren’t able to make a donation, that’s fine, Dacey says.
“We want to get you home safe.”
Manta Swim Club interim president Bo West wishes this year’s organizing committee and the Winnipeg Kids Foundation well in their efforts.
“We will encourage our membership to volunteer,” he says. “It’s a great cause and it’s great for Winnipeg.”
Dacey invites people to make donations at rednosewinnipeg.ca/donate or to email donations@rednosewinnipeg.ca.
“We’re all volunteers and we’re all new to this,” she says. “If people have ideas or have other ways to help us, we’re open to those ideas.”
If you know a special volunteer, email aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca.
Aaron Epp
Reporter
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron.
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