Operation Red Nose has canceled its Christmas driving campaign because of COVID-19 concerns, resulting in a huge loss in fundraising dollars to a Tri-City non-profit that supports kids in sport.
Chris Wilson — who runs KidSport Tri-Cities and the Operation Red Nose, in addition to his role as a Coquitlam councillor — said he was disappointed but it was the right call for the national organization to cancel the 2020 season.
“We were told this was going to happen today. It’s not a surprise and it I think it’s the right response,” Wilson said, explaining that it would have been difficult to keep everyone safe, especially since volunteers also drive Operation Red Nose participants home in their car.
“We’re about safety, we’re about making sure people don’t just rely on Operation Red Nose and always have a plan B — that’s been a part of the philosophy of Operation Red Nose,” Wilson said.
The 2020 season would have been the 25th for the program, which brings in about $20,000 for children needing financial assistance to participate in sports. Funds are also shared with families needing assistance in Burnaby and New Westminster.
Last year, the safe-ride home service did 436 pickups over nine nights in December, including New Year's Eve, raising $16,176 for KidSport Tri-Cities. The numbers are down from 2018, when 543 rides were given, raising a total of $21,159.
KidSport Tri-Cities also had to cancel its fall used sporting goods sale due to COVID-19.
Wilson said so far the organization has enough money to help families who are enrolling their children in kids' sports, thanks to money put aside in previous years.
He also thanked the 150 volunteers who have participated in Operation Red Nose in the past and hopes they return to help out next Christmas season — if things are back to normal.
Jean-Philippe Giroux, executive Director for Operation Red Nose, made the announcement Wednesday, Oct. 7.
“The safety of our volunteers, clients, and local host organizations has always been one of our top priorities. The decision was made after long and careful consideration, and not without emotion. We want to thank all of our volunteers and local partners who keep supporting their community year after year. We look forward to working with you again next year,” Giroux said in a statement on the group's website.
Despite not operating this holiday season, the non-profit notes that Operation Red Nose will continue to promote its road safety message, and remind everyone to always plan for a safe way to get home by calling a friend, a relative, a cab, by designating a sober driver, or by staying overnight.
