Operation Red Nose kicked off with a puck drop on Monday.

Organizer Joanne Vielfaure-Romaniuk says this is their fifth season running Operation Red Nose in the La Broquerie and Steinbach areas. She says since 2013 they have given 937 safe rides home.

"I think this is a great community program we've been able to offer. People have really cherished it, they've been able to use it and see how well it works."

Operation Red Nose Organizer Joanne Vielfaure-RomaniukVielfaure-Romaniuk says there are 11 nights they're running this year (Nov 24 and 25, December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, and 31 from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.) and require approximately 225 volunteers, 60 of those being needed for New Year's Eve alone.

"Last year [on New Year's Eve] we gave out a whopping 82 safe rides home, which in itself speaks volumes to the need in our community," she notes. "Staff Sergeant Laninga mentioned they have noticed a drop in impaired driving and in giving out tickets. So, we do believe that we are making a difference in our community and keeping our Manitoba roads safer."

Staff Sergeant Harold Laninga says so far in 2017 Steinbach RCMP has charged 46 people with Impaired Driving and issued 14 roadside suspension notices which is an average of five alcohol-related drivers a month. However, he notes during the time period Operation Red Nose ran last year there were 630 people given a safe ride home by 228 volunteers and Steinbach RCMP charged one impaired driver and issued one roadside suspension during that time.

Vielfaure-Romaniuk says all while keeping roads safer, volunteers are also getting to know new people and building relationships in the community.

The funds being raised through Operation Red Nose will be going towards cultural and sports equipment at Ecole St. Joachim school in La Broquerie.

For a safe ride home or to volunteer phone 204-424-9555.