Yes, both Halloween and Remembrance Day have yet to pass.
But for some Tri-Cities residents that enjoy the holidays, party plans for Christmas and/or New Year's may soon be in the works — and they may include special drinks on the menu.
Operation Red Nose (ORN) is gearing up to help holiday revellers get home safely across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody this year, and is making a public call for volunteers.
Drivers with the by-donation service pick up passengers that have requested a ride from their party and drive them home in their own vehicles while another driver follows them to take the volunteers to the next ride.
The non-profit organization's 2022 schedule is currently as follows:
- Dec. 2 and 3
- Dec. 9 and 10
- Dec. 16 and 17
- Dec. 31 (New Year's Eve)
ORN's donations typically bring in about $20,000 each year for Kid-Sport Tri-Cities; a total of $16,176 was collected in 2020.
The money offers grants to families in need to pay for sport registration fees.
"While we are not able to take reservations, if you call two hours before you need to be picked up, we should be able to get to you within that time," ORN Tri-Cities website reads.
"It's recommended that you have a back-up plan too, in case we're not able to meet all of the demand."
In 2020, 436 rides were provided in the Tri-Cities — a 20 per cent decrease compared to 543 in 2019 and eight per cent from 473 in 2018.
Drivers are set to operate each scheduled night this year between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Communities considered out-of-reach for drivers may include Vancouver, Surrey, Langley and Mission.
The number for local party-goers to request a ORN Tri-Cities driver is 778-866-6673.
For more information, and to learn how to become a volunteer, you're encouraged to visit ORN's website or email them directly at [email protected].
