Over the course of 10 nights, 165 safe rides home were provided through the first ever Operation Red Nose in Cornwall. The Kinsmen Club of Cornwall initiated the designated driver service and on January 28 at the Army Navy Air Force Club, it was time to recognize the volunteers who made the service a success.
During the afternoon's celebration, volunteers were thanked for their time and effort and rewarded with certificates and prizes. Kin Ray Eady of Allstate Cornwall also thanked community sponsors and corporate donators.
"Without these sponsors we would not have had such a good inaugural year. Without them no one would have heard of Operation Red Nose being active in Cornwall, no one would have seen our posters asking everyone to volunteer."
Among the numerous sponsors mentioned were Baxtrom's Your Independent Grocer, Justin's No Frills, Cedars of Lebanon, Philo's Restaurant, Sunshine Chinese and Long Graphics, which provided all the signs and posters for Operation Red Nose "at the drop of a hat."
On hand to receive the cheque was Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Jacquie Richards. "The Boys and Girls Club would not be able to do the things we do if it wasn't for people like you," explained Richards to the volunteers and the members of the Kinsmen Club of Cornwall.
"On behalf of our kids, they send you high-fives, smiles and giggles. This (money) will help with our after school programs, where we provide a healthy and nutritious snack for all the children."
Eady said preparations for Operation Red Nose 2012 are already underway. "We will be active all year looking for volunteers and would like to urge each and every one of you to bring a friend, invite a neighbour or just make a family member a volunteer for the 2012 season."
About 120-150 volunteers will be needed in 2012. Eady added Operation Red Nose is expected to start on the first Friday and Saturday in December and will hopefully be available on New Year's Eve. For more information visit www.operationrednose.com
