2010 Operation Red Nose campaign launches in Moncton

MONCTON, NB, Nov. 12 /CNW/ - Operation Red Rose (ORN), with its provincial sponsor Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), launched the 2010 Operation Red Nose campaign in Moncton today. This year, the campaign will once again offer safe rides home to party goers from November 26 to December 31.

"Changing the way people think about drinking and driving is important," said Sue Stultz, Minister of Social Development and Honourary Chair of Greater Moncton's 2010 Operation Red Nose campaign. "Having championed community‐driven initiatives for many years, I know that with residents supporting this program, we'll make a real difference in our community and help our neighbours get home safely."

Volunteers are excited to once again join local ORN host organization IBC to help run the program with the goal of making roads safer for all during the holiday season. In 2009, 106 dedicated volunteers provided more than 210 rides throughout Greater Moncton. This group of enthusiastic citizens raised well over $2,500 in donations. New volunteers are always needed, and welcome.

The Operation Red Nose mission, in addition to making roads safer, is to support local youth initiatives. As such, 100 per cent of ORN donations are given to local Safe Grad programs for high schools in Districts 1 and 2. In 2009, IBC matched all funds raised over the four‐weekend campaign and donated $5,000 to both Districts 1 and 2 for their graduation celebrations.

"Operation Red Nose raises awareness about the need for party goers to make plans to get home safely if they have been drinking," said Bill Adams, Atlantic Vice‐President, Insurance Bureau of Canada. "IBC commends the many volunteers for their dedication to keeping our roads safe for all who use them. We are proud to play a role in helping to keep our community safe at this busy time of the year."

Operation Red Nose will be available in 109 communities in eight Canadian provinces in 2010. Last year, more than 50,900 volunteers provided 73,193 rides throughout Canada. This year again, ORN needs the help of volunteers. Without volunteers, a successful campaign is not possible. Volunteering with friends, family or co‐workers is fun, and helps keep roads safe. To download a volunteer application form, visit www.operationrednose.com.

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