2010 Operation Red Nose campaign launches in Nova Scotia

HALIFAX, Nov. 9 /CNW/ - Operation Red Rose (ORN), with its provincial sponsors Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC), launched the 2010 Operation Red Nose campaign in Nova Scotia today. This year, the campaign will once again offer safe rides home to party goers in Halifax, Sydney and Truro from November 26 to December 31.

"I am very pleased to be involved in this important effort to make our roads safer," said Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Ramona Jennex, Honourary Chair of Nova Scotia's 2010 Operation Red Nose campaign. "I urge all Nova Scotians to make arrangements to get home if they are attending any functions. If you do have a drink - don't drive."

Volunteers in each of the three ORN communities in the province are excited to once again join their local ORN host organization to help run the program with the goal of making roads safer for all during the holiday season. In 2009, 631 dedicated volunteers provided more than 830 rides throughout Nova Scotia. New volunteers are always needed, and welcome.

"After 15 ORN campaigns in Nova Scotia, it's great to see that we continue to behave more responsibly with regards to impaired driving while enjoying the fun that comes with the holiday season," declared Jean-Marie De Koninck, Founding President of Operation Red Nose.

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 non-profit youth organizations, including Safe Grad.

"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 and local host organizations 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 communities safe at this busy time of the year."

"The NSLC's focus on corporate social responsibility is the core of everything we do. Operation Red Nose is a key holiday service that the NSLC is proud to continue to support," stated Rick Perkins, Vice-President, Business Development & Communications, NSLC. "The beverage alcohol industry as a whole has taken great efforts to promote responsible use of the products we sell. During the busy holiday season, our industry is proud to volunteer our time to help get Nova Scotians home safely."

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.

For further information: or to schedule an interview, contact: Insurance Bureau of Canada: Leah Sanford, Community Relations Coordinator, [phone] x. 226, [email protected]; Corinne MacLellan, Halifax ORN Coordinator, [phone], [email protected]; Operation Red Nose: Aurelie Levy, Director of Communications & Marketing, [phone], [email protected]; Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation: Rick Perkins, Vice-President, Business Development & Communications, [phone], [email protected]