Cash-strapped Operation Red Nose seeking help to get safe holiday program’s motor running

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The volunteers behind a free designated-driver program are asking for donations so that they can operate during the upcoming holiday season.

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This article was published 18/10/2024 (380 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The volunteers behind a free designated-driver program are asking for donations so that they can operate during the upcoming holiday season.

Operation Red Nose Winnipeg organizers are seeking to raise $100,000 by Nov. 15. Qualico is matching cash donations up to $5,000.

“We know Winnipeggers are a generous lot, so I’m hopeful we can get this off the ground,” says Elisha Dacey, the committee’s volunteer media liaison.

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press
                                ‘We know Winnipeggers are a generous lot, so I’m hopeful we can get this off the ground,’ says Elisha Dacey, the Operation Red Nose Winnipeg committee’s volunteer media liaison.

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press

‘We know Winnipeggers are a generous lot, so I’m hopeful we can get this off the ground,’ says Elisha Dacey, the Operation Red Nose Winnipeg committee’s volunteer media liaison.

The money raised will pay for things such as gas, volunteer space, new phones and upgrading the organization’s website and app.

Many people are under the impression that Operation Red Nose covers its operating costs using the donations drivers accept when they give people rides, Dacey says, but that’s not the case.

Rides are free and drivers accept voluntary donations that go to the host charity.

Manta Swim Club was the host charity for 28 years, but the club bowed out of running Operation Red Nose earlier this year as it was no longer a viable fundraiser for its organization.

Volunteer opportunities

The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.

The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.

Local Investment Toward Employment (LITE) needs volunteers for its annual Wild Blueberry Pancake Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 29. Roles include serving food, making and serving coffee, clearing and wiping tables, selling/validating tickets, photography, setup and cleaning up. Shifts are 1.5 to three hours, depending on the role. Apply at zoe@lite.mb.ca or 204-942-8578, ext. 200, by Nov. 25.

Victoria Lifeline needs home service representatives to do installation and service work throughout Winnipeg and the capital region. Volunteers meet clients in their homes and must have criminal record and vulnerable sector checks. Volunteers must be available one day per week, and have a valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle. Shifts are available weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. A minimum of one four-hour shift per week is required. Apply at http://wfp.to/C6Q or info@victorialifeline.ca by Dec. 30.

Call for Hope helps people new to Manitoba settle into the community with the tools they need to succeed in their new home. They are seeking BIPOC board members with experience as newcomers, sensitivity to their needs and comfort working with people whose first language is not English. Desired backgrounds include accounting, marketing, fundraising, youth engagement and volunteer management. Board members must attend monthly virtual meetings, commit to a two- or three-year term and be able to work independently or in board working groups. For more information, go to callforhope.ca. Email a resumé to lmartin@callforhope.ca by Dec. 30.

Bravestone Centre needs a community volunteer for its special events committee. The committee recommends, plans and implements activities and events with the goal of raising the profile of Manitoba’s longest-running and largest second-stage facility for women and children escaping violent intimate relationships. Beyond organizing special events, the committee is instrumental in raising funds that directly benefit Bravestone’s families. Applicants should be enthusiastic team players with strong organizational skills, creativity and the ability to connect with potential donors. The role offers flexible hours, with regular meetings scheduled monthly and additional responsibilities as events approach, providing volunteers with opportunities to enhance their skills and gain community recognition. Email info@bravestonecentre.ca by Dec. 31.

Oyate Tipi Cumini Yape needs members to join its board, which uses a consensus-based decision-making model. The board supports governance at Oyate Tipi and ensures the organization’s values and mission are upheld. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings lasting two hours, as well as an annual general meeting. Previous board experience and a working knowledge of non-profit organizations are beneficial, and Indigenous community members are preferred. Volunteers will collaborate closely with the executive director and fellow board members, gaining valuable experience in governance. Apply at http://wfp.to/C3F or volunteer@oyatetipi.com by Dec. 31.

Shelter Movers — a national charity providing free moving and storage services to people and families fleeing abuse — needs movers and drivers. Movers must be 18 or older. Email volunteer.winnipeg@sheltermovers.com by Nov. 15.

The Henteleff Park Foundation needs a volunteer co-ordinator to lead the recruitment, training and encouragement of volunteers. A committee helps with this work, and mentorship will be provided. The position is most active from April to September, averaging two to eight hours per week during those months. Email john.borody@henteleffpark.org for details. The deadline is Nov. 15.

Champlain Community Centre is seeking to fill several positions. People who are passionate about their community, have basic knowledge of team sports and are comfortable around children are needed to host/supervise the gym space during community events and drop-in programming. A variety of days and times are available. Email programs@champlaincc.ca with your resumé or to ask for more information. The deadline is Nov. 30.

The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Go to http://wfp.to/0pE, email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.

Winnipeg Kids Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth, announced at the beginning of October that it is taking over.

Manitoba Public Insurance and Safety Services Manitoba are sponsors of the program..

“They’re always fantastic but we just need a little more help,” Dacey says. “The $100,000 is a target. We’re hopeful that if we get even part of that that we’ll be able to go forward.”

Operation Red Nose has operated in Winnipeg since 1995. From the last weekend of November through New Year’s Eve, volunteers help get people, their passengers and their vehicles to their destination if they are intoxicated, fatigued or just feel unsafe to drive.

In addition to Winnipeg, Operation Red Nose operates in a few other communities in southern Manitoba.

Last year, the organization gave 2,203 rides to Manitobans, raising more than $50,000 for charities across the province. More than 1,700 volunteers pitched in to make it possible.

TREVOR HAGAN / FREE PRESS FILES
                                Rudy, the Operation Red Nose reindeer mascot.

TREVOR HAGAN / FREE PRESS FILES

Rudy, the Operation Red Nose reindeer mascot.

Dacey started volunteering with a driving team a few years ago. She was inspired to get involved after the death of her cousin, who died in a car collision while driving impaired.

“It’s so easy to make the wrong decision when you’ve had a couple drinks,” she says. “You look at your car… and you think, ‘I should be OK to drive home,’ and then you aren’t.”

If people who use the service aren’t able to make a donation, that’s fine, Dacey says.

“We want to get you home safe.”

Manta Swim Club interim president Bo West wishes this year’s organizing committee and the Winnipeg Kids Foundation well in their efforts.

“We will encourage our membership to volunteer,” he says. “It’s a great cause and it’s great for Winnipeg.”

Dacey invites people to make donations at rednosewinnipeg.ca/donate or to email donations@rednosewinnipeg.ca.

“We’re all volunteers and we’re all new to this,” she says. “If people have ideas or have other ways to help us, we’re open to those ideas.”

If you know a special volunteer, email aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca.

Aaron Epp

Aaron Epp
Reporter

Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron.

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History

Updated on Sunday, October 20, 2024 6:32 PM CDT: Adds photo of Elisha Dacey

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