Operation Red Nose marks return after pandemic

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This article was published 07/11/2022 (1224 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A popular holiday safe-ride service is coming back to the Southeast after a two-year hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Operation Red Nose in St Malo and La Broquerie/Steinbach are actively recruiting volunteers for the 2022 season.

“We had a meeting with everyone to see what everyone else was going to be doing, and through collaboration we decided to opt in to offering services this year,” said St Malo coordinator Charmaine Gosselin.

In 2020 Operation Red Nose hosts across Manitoba opted out of providing safe ride services for the holiday season. In 2021 all 11 chapters based in Manitoba again chose to suspend operations through the end of November and December. Gosselin said they opted out due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and rising case numbers.

Established in Quebec in 1984 Operation Red Nose drives clients and their vehicles home from parties and social gatherings through teams of volunteers. The service is free with an option to donate which is redistributed to local charities and organizations.

St Malo established a chapter in 2018, covering a large area which included Steinbach to Ile des Chenes. The La Broquerie/Steinbach chapter has been in operation since 2013.

This year, as COVID cases plateau and all public health restrictions have lifted Red Nose is facing a different issue: high gas prices.

As fuel surges to costs not seen in recent memory the organization is relying on external income to reimburse drivers.

“We don’t want volunteers to come out in the negative when they are already putting in late-night hours,” Gosselin said.

Drivers will receive gas gift cards in increments of $10 based on how many kilometers they travel, Gosselin said. Sponsors and donations will help to offset the increase in compensation costs.

For those still weary of close contact all Operations Red Nose drivers will be equipped with masks and sanitizer for passengers if requested. Passengers can also request drivers mask up when they enter a vehicle.

Donations for this year’s operation will go toward renovations at Iberville Hall in St Malo which will see upgrades to the community centre’s entrance. In year’s past funds raised through Red Nose contributed to the construction of a commercial kitchen which now exists in the centre, located in the basement of the St Malo Parish.

In 2019, St Malo Operation Red Nose’s last year of service, approximately 150 volunteers at the chapter serviced 15 communities, driving 484 passengers and 260 vehicles home safely. The Steinbach/La Broquerie chapter saw 209 volunteers provide 410 rides which got 774 clients home safely in 2019.

St Malo Operation Red Nose is still actively recruiting volunteers for the upcoming season. To volunteer, contact Chantal Catellier at 204-712-6041.

– with files from Jordan Ross