Brandon's Operation Red Nose (ORN) is hoping to launch this weekend, however with a decrease in volunteer drivers, the jury is still out whether the 'don't drink and drive' initiative will actually start this weekend.

Committee member and Media Relations Director, Frank McGwire, says Operation Red Nose is reaching two significant milestones this year; 40 years in Canada helping folks get home safely after participating in holiday festivities, and 25 years of helping Brandon-ites return home after enjoying an evening out with friends and family and needing a ride home.

"We really want to keep our roads safe and make sure our clients, along with their vehicles, arrive home safe and sound during the holiday season," explains McGwire. 

"We work kind of in a semi-partnership with the Brandon Police Service because they're out there patrolling the streets and roads, and they do have their check stops, and it just makes a whole lot of sense NOT to get behind the wheel if you've had a couple [of drinks]," he says. "Even if you had a couple, that's all it takes to be over the limit. So, play it safe and call Operation Red Nose so you can get home safe!"

McGwire says all funds raised goes directly into supporting local youth sports initiatives.  "All money that's donated is greatly appreciated. You can give $100! You can give $20!  You might have a group coming home from an office Christmas party and then everybody gets home. Pool your money together and help out this great local cause!"

To book a pickup call 204-728-NOSE (728-6673) on any of the following evenings Friday and Saturday, 9pm to 1am:

  • November 24-25
  • December 1-2
  • December 8-9
  • December 15-16
  • December 22-23 (NOT AVAILABLE)
  • December 31

Operation Red Nose takes place on the weekends and drivers travel in sets of 3 people, so the client's car can also be driven home from their event destination.

McGwire suggests calling in advance to arrange for a pick-up. 

"Let's say you know you're having your staff Christmas party and you have maybe 40-50 staff and their guests looking to get home, and their vehicles home too, so they want to drive to their event, and they want to book in advance with Operation Red Nose, so we can make sure we do have enough volunteer drivers staffed and ready to go. and then hopefully we can schedule pickup times hourly or every half hour, depending on how their guests need a ride."

If someone needs a ride, but it hasn't been pre-arranged, McGwire says it would most likely be the same wait-time as if waiting for a taxicab.

Frank McGwire is calling out for volunteer drivers to help out with this year's Operation Red Nose designated drivers' program.  Please listen to more with McGwire below as he explains more on being a volunteer driver.

To become a volunteer driver, you can pick up an application at the following locations.  All applicants will be processed with backgrounds checks and valid driver's licenses.

  1. - CAA Manitoba - Brandon Office - 305-18th Street N, Brandon
  2. - Murray Chevrolet, 1500 Richmond Avenue, Brandon
  3. - Western Nations Gas Bar - 1725-18th Street N, Brandon

NOTE: Your completed Criminal Record Check forms must be dropped off with 2 pieces of photocopied ID, 1 must be government issued with your picture (driver's license, passport) at Brandon Police Services, 1020 Victoria Avenue, Brandon.

For more information visit the Brandon Operation Red Nose Facebook page HERE!

In response to Canada's Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, Discover Westman encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverWestman app.