If you’re planning some holiday cheer, call a deer! Operation Red Nose (ORN) is up and running again for their 30th year of service across Canada.

Operation Red Nose is a team of volunteers who will pick up revellers and provide a safe alternative to get back home without leaving their vehicle behind. The service accepts donations which are entirely given back to local non-profit organizations dedicated to youth or amateur sport. In Lethbridge, the beneficiary is the University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Booster Club.

Sandy Slavin, one of the ORN managers who has been involved with the program for 19 years, says this is the biggest fundraiser for the volunteer Pronghorns.

“It’s a good way for us to stay active and visible in the community as our teams shut down for the break. As well, it is a great community service,” said Slavin.

Slavin says the volunteer turnout has been good, but they always find themselves short on this upcoming weekend, the weekend before Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

“Volunteers have a great time. If [anyone has] been thinking about volunteering, this would be a great year to help out,” says Slavin.

The service is provided by a team of three volunteers, two of which ride along with the client in his or her vehicle. The third, the escort driver, follows behind to pick up the volunteers after.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the Pronghorn Athletics office (403) 329-2681 or email orn@uleth.ca. 

This past weekend, 154 safe rides home were given in  the City of Lethbridge.

The service runs each Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Dec. 21, as well as New Year’s Eve, between 9:30 p.m.- 3 a.m. and can be reached at (403) 320-4155 for a ride.