After a two year hiatus, Operation Red Nose was back in action this last weekend in the Steinbach and La Broquerie area.

Coordinator Francois Grenier says they had three teams of volunteers on Friday offer rides to 12 individuals. Then on Saturday, four teams of volunteers offered rides to 42 individuals. That means 54 people were brought home safely over the weekend, thanks to Operation Red Nose.

"People were so excited to use the service and welcomed us back with open arms," shares Grenier. "It was fun to be out there."

Grenier says they received more than $500 in donations over the course of the weekend, which he says is amazing. In addition to that, some clients even donated gift cards, which Grenier says will serve as extra door prizes for volunteers. A total of 32 volunteers were used over the course of the two days. 

"They have a great time and we're always looking for more to join the fun," he says. "We have a few weekends coming up that we'd love to have a few more people to join in the fun."

Anyone wishing to sign up as a volunteer can visit www.rednoseonline.com

For those wanting to use the service, the number to call is 204-424-9555.

Grenier says it is so important for them to be back in service again. The last year they operated was 2019. That year, 209 volunteers gave 410 rides, helping raise more than $9,000 in ride donations. 

But Grenier says their main goal is to create safer roads. He notes whether you call a taxi, a friend or family member, the important thing is that you make it home safely after consuming alcohol. He notes Operation Red Nose is an extra option to keep roads safe for everyone.

On opening weekend, volunteers drove 980 kilometres, which is the same as driving from Steinbach to North Battleford, Saskatchewan.

With files from Dave Anthony