Thanks to the efforts of Operation Red Nose volunteers this holiday season, there were no alcohol related motor vehicle incidences in the city, according to Cornwall Community Police.
The initiative, sponsored by the Kinsmen Club of Cornwall, drove safely home, 227 patrons from holiday celebrations, said Ray Eady, co-chair, of this second annual event.
“The community really came together,” said Eady.
There were 73 volunteers throughout this season, giving of their time to make sure that partygoers arrived home alive, driving over 5000 kilometers, and raising almost that much in dollars.
One hundred percent of the donations will benefit the Boys and Girls Club.
Volunteers spend the day on New Year’s Eve at LCBO locations across the city, passing out cards, to ensure that everyone knew about the service. In all over 5500 cards were passed out, as well as a number of articles in newspapers, spreading the word of this very worthwhile service.
“Everybody that we talked to responded positively.”
Just on New Year’s Eve alone, he said, there were 50 rides, which raised close to $1000.
“It is an amazing partnership, a great service to our community, said Kristina Allard, acting executive director of the Boys and Girls Club, who explained that the funds will help with the agency’s programs.
We could always use more volunteers, said Eady, who invited those interested for next year to visit their website, www.operationrednose.com, where you will find all the statistics from this year.
“We are always taking applications,” said Eady. “Drop us a line, we’ll put you on the roster.
Organizers are hoping that next year will be even bigger and better.
