Operation Red Nose now in effect (6 photos)

While its name may have connotations of secrecy, there is nothing top secret about Operation Red Nose.

In fact, the program has gained in popularity since its inception. Which is a good thing, since it takes more than 100 volunteers every night to provide rides to holiday revelers, said Lesli Green, founding president of Operation Red Nose. For some, Operation Red Nose has become a holiday tradition.

“Everyone is starting to realize the holidays are here, and there will be lots of parties and cheer,” Green said. “So it’s now time to start planning. We just want everyone to be safe, and it’s really simple: don’t drink and drive. Instead, call a friend call a cab or call Operation Red Nose.”

Operation Red Nose is still looking for volunteers. Application forms are available at any Tim Hortons location in Greater Sudbury. People can continue to volunteer right up until New Year’s Eve.

“It’s a fun and unique way to help ensure a safer community over the Christmas holidays,” Green said. “We will be handing out Tim Hortons coffee cards to those who make the decision to not drink and drive. It’s our way to say thanks.”

For those who do make the decision to either drink or do drugs, and then get behind the wheel, you have been warned: “You will get caught, no if, ands, buts for maybes,” said Greater Sudbury Deputy Police Chief Al Lekun.

Both Green and Lekun were on hand Nov. 27 to launch Operation Red Nose. They set up a brief RIDE spot check on Municipal Road 35, and stopped a few dozen vehicles.

“We want people to enjoy their Christmas season, but we want them to think and to have alternatives to getting behind the wheel after drinking or doing drugs,” Lekun said. “RIDE checks are but a small part of the preventative measures of drinking and driving. Education also plays a big role, and that’s why we believe it’s so important to have partners like Operation Red Nose.”

Greater Sudbury Police Service has made the commitment to be out every single night in the month of December conducting RIDE checks.

“People need to know that, but we aren’t going to let them know where we’re going to be,” he said. “We are still, unfortunately, arresting people for drinking and driving. The message is getting out, and there are many evenings where we check 500 to 1,000 vehicles in a given night and not charge anyone with impaired driving. However, there is still a lot that has to be done.

"Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and everyone has to work together to decrease and, eventually, eliminate drinking and driving.”