Ontario Safety League and Insurance Bureau of Canada launch 2010 Operation
Red Nose campaign in Ontario

TORONTO, Nov. 3 /CNW/ - Provincial host, Ontario Safety League, and provincial sponsor, Insurance Bureau of Canada, launched the 2010 Operation Red Nose campaign - the sixth in a row that the two organizations have partnered on - in Ontario today. The 2010 campaign will once again offer safe rides home to party goers in 12 communities in the province from November 25 to December 31.

"Operation Red Nose helps reduce drinking and driving. IBC commends the ORN volunteers and local host organizations for their dedication to this program, and to keeping roads safe at a busy time of the year," said Ralph Palumbo, Ontario Vice-President, Insurance Bureau of Canada. "IBC, on behalf of Canada's home, car and business insurers, is committed to road safety and very proud to support Operation Red Nose for another year in Ontario."

As in past years, a local host organization in each community will recruit volunteers to help run the program, with the goal of making roads safer for all during the holiday season. In 2009, close to 3,800 dedicated volunteers provided more than 5,340 rides throughout Ontario. In 2010 the program will run in Bolton, Borden, Brampton, Burlington, Chatham-Kent, Hearst, Kingston, Newmarket-Aurora, North Bay, Quinte, Sudbury and Thunder Bay.

"Like all those engaged in the fight against impaired driving, we will never know how many people are positively influenced by these public awareness initiatives," said Brian Patterson, President and General Manager, Ontario Safety League. "What we do know is that when ORN volunteers are out talking to the public across the province, they hear that people are planning ahead to find a safe way home."

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.

About Ontario Safety League

Since 1913 the Ontario Safety League has taken on the mission to reduce preventable deaths, injuries and destruction on Ontario's roads through public education and safety awareness.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada

Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 110,000 Canadians, pays more than $6 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $40 billion.

For further information:

or to schedule an interview, contact: