Getting people home safe, one ride at a time.

Over 100 people came out to show their appreciation for the volunteers at Operation Red Nose with a volunteer appreciation banquet.

Wrapping up their 15th year in Belleville, Operation Red Nose Quinte Chairman, Rick Watt, said that 2018 was another successful year for the program.

“We did 1293 runs,” said Watt. “All the volunteers come out each and every year and it’s amazing how this community supports Operation.”

Operation Red Nose is a unique and free designated driver program that runs through the month of December, in which volunteers are dispatched to pick up individuals, as well as their passengers and vehicle, in order to ensure everyone arrives home safe.

Operation Red Nose Quinte is supported in their endeavour by the YMCA of Central East Ontario, as well as Camp Trillium.

Through the Operation Red Nose program, any funding that is received is given back toward the host organization.

This year, Operation Red Nose Quinte was able to donate $10,000 in funding towards Camp Trillium, with an additional $30,000 being donated towards the YMCA of Central East Ontario.

President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Central East Ontario, David Allen, said that as an organization, they are very pleased.

“We feel very fortunate to be a part of Operation Red Nose,” said Allen.

“As you can see in this room tonight, there are just so many great people, making a difference in the community.”

“And for us as an organization, it’s one of the other ways we can contribute to making our community a better place.”

Throughout their 2018 season, Operation Red Nose Quinte contributed 705 volunteer nights, providing 2869 people with 1293 rides, and travelled over 39,688km.

While the program was met with another year of success, both Allen and Watt agree that without the volunteers, Operation Red Nose Quinte wouldn’t be as successful as it is.

“One hundred percent,” said Watt.

“It’s because of all these volunteers that come out from Quinte West, Madoc, Tweed, Belleville, Prince Edward County…they sponsor this for us, and that’s why it is so good.”

Allen shared similar sentiments.

“Volunteers are what make it work,” said Allen.

“Without them, there would be no Operation Red Nose.”

“The Organizing Committee, we do what we can, but the people who come out night after night, drive, get people home, they’re the ones.”

Allen explained that the funding that they received will all be used to send kids to camp and to help families become involved with the YMCA.

“Every dollar goes straight into making sure kids can go to camp,” said Allen.

Camp Trillium as well offers year-round programs to families for free as a way to bring children with cancer and their families together.

While Operation Red Nose Quinte celebrates another good year, both Watt and Quinte West Deputy Mayor, Jim Alyea, made mention of the possibilities of a base of operations being erected in Quinte West, but there was no mention of a timeline.

To learn more about Operation Red Nose Quinte, visit www.rednosequinte.com