Operation Red Nose
Last call before you hit the road! Call a friend, a cab orOperation Red Nose
2024 OPERATION RED NOSE BACK AND READY FOR ANOTHER EXCITING YEAR
If you are interested in volunteering this year
please click the 'VOLUNTEER NOW' button
found in the top right corner.
We look forward to another fun year.
Honorary Co-Chairs
Welcome this year's Honorary Operation Red Nose Co-Chairs Patricia Guernsey from Team Guernsey and Mike Callaghan, former Belleville Police Chief.
2024 Operation Red Nose Statistics
Operation Red Nose?
Say you're heading out to celebrate the holiday season on a cold December weekend. Maybe you plan on having a few drinks or on staying out ‘till the sun comes up. The thing is, you're also planning on bringing your vehicle. So if you do have those drinks or start falling asleep on your feet, do you have a plan for getting home - without getting behind the wheel and endangering people?
Why not plan on calling Operation Red Nose?
Operation Red Nose is a unique December-only designated driver program that operates for free. When you call your local Operation Red Nose headquarters, a three-person Driving Team will be dispatched to pick up you, your passengers AND your car. You and your fellow passengers will be driven to your destination in your vehicle and followed by a Operation Red Nose Escort. You can even call more than once during the same evening.Everyone gets home safely and your vehicle will be there waiting for you in the morning, all free of charge...although donations are accepted and all proceeds will go toward supporting local programs.So keep the snowy streets a little safer and give some kids a shot at sports, all with a single call!
Can anyone call Operation Red Nose?
Operation Red Nose isn't a taxi service. It's a unique program that gets both vehicles and drivers home safely. So while anyone can call, you must have a vehicle in order to get a ride. You also need to wear seat belts so if you have more passengers than seat belts, someone will be staying behind.
How many volunteers does Operation Red Nose need to operate?
It's a case of, “the more, the merrier.” We have a dedicated group of 300 – 350 fantastic volunteers who help keep Operation Red Nose running. However, it's a popular program. The more people that call for rides, the more help we can use to make sure no one is kept waiting for long. If you have an evening to spare and a valid driver's license, we'd love to have you on our team!
What does Operation Red Nose charge for rides?
In a word: nothing. Operation Red Nose Sponsors cover the program's basic operating costs and our many generous volunteers donate their time. However, donations are definitely accepted, and all proceeds go toward supporting programs in the Quinte area.
Is the service confidential?
Absolutely! All volunteers sign a form agreeing not to provide any information that might be used to identify a client, their passengers or their addresses. So don't let worries about discretion drive you away.
The YMCA of Central East Ontario
The YMCA of Central East Ontario, Belleville and John Williams branches, are pleased to be the host organization for Operation Red Nose. Proceeds raised through Operation Red Nose support the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign to ensure that children and families are able to access YMCA programs and services in our community, regardless of their financial situation.In 2023, the Strong Kids Campaign provided over $250,000 dollars to provide children, youth and families with the opportunity to find friendship, support and physical activity with a subsidized YMCA membership, programming, day camps or afterschool care.
The YMCA of Central East Ontario believes that every child deserves a strong, healthy start, regardless of their circumstances. Through participation in Operation Red Nose, you are helping to support children and families in our community.
This would not be possible without your support. Operation Red Nose is a free service and relies on donations from those receiving a ride.
Dates of Operation
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Pick Up Locations
"All rides must start or end in Belleville or Trenton"
This year we will operate the service from 8:00pm with the last call being at 1:30am.
(613) 962-4334
A team of 3 Operation Red Nose volunteers will pick you up and drive you in your own vehicle
to the destination of your choice, for free.
Volunteer Now!
Registering is easy! Just click on the link to take you to our online registration form...
Want to register in person? Check back for available dates
NOTE: Location only supported during Registration Dates and Ride Nights
Volunteer Duties
| Title | Description | Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Escort Driver | Escorts the driver and navigator to and from each client destination Must have a vehicle to do the escorting | Must be 19 years of age or older Must have valid driver’s license Must have valid / current automobile insurance Must carry license and insurance with them while volunteering |
| Driver | Drives the client’s vehicle. Checks with the client to see insurance documentation. Ensures vehicle is cleared of snow/ice and is fit for driving | Must be 21 years of age or older Must have valid driver’s license Must carry license and insurance with them while volunteering |
| Navigator | Rides with the Driver in the client's vehicle. Communicates with the Dispatcher by radio or cell phone to coordinate the next pick-up location or to report any incidents. Completes the Telephone/Dispatch Forms; recording times, kilometers traveled, number of passengers, amount of donations, etc. Submits documentation& donations to Cashier/Office Manager nightly | Must be 19 years of age or older Must be personable in dealing with clients |
| Welcome Desk - Greeter | Registers volunteers as they arrive -sign in and draws. Explains office layout and practices. Directs volunteers to the Office Manager as needed. Assists Red Nose Chair with Team set up as required. | Must be 19 Years of age or older Must be personable and friendly with volunteers Note: Usually only works the earlier part of the evening and may leave once all teams have arrived |
| Kitchen/Food Coordinator | Picks up food items, drinks & snacks. Makes coffee, tea and picks up the meal as provided. Keeps kitchen, food serving tables and volunteer tables neat & tidy. Stocks fridges with drinks & water Puts out snacks & food for volunteers Manages garbage & recycle bins. Reports to the Treasurer or Office Manager for funds as required. | Must be 19 years of age or older Must be personable and friendly with volunteers Note: Usually only works the earlier part of the evening and may leave after meal is set out – usually around 11 p.m. |
| Telephone Operator | Receives calls from clients. Completes Telephone/Dispatch Forms. Retrieves messages off voicemail Calls back clients when required Communicates with Runner as required | Must be 19 years of age or older Must be personable and friendly with clients Must be able to ask pertinent questions Must to able to work in a fastpaced environment |
| Cashier | Accepts donations from Teams Ensures paperwork from Teams is correct Matches up transportation forms with dispatch forms Assist with nightly bank deposit & nightly stats | Must be 19 years of age or older Must be personable and friendly with volunteers Shift start is 9 p.m. at the earliest. Majority of the activity is once the Teams return to Headquarters at the end of the evening. Could be as late as 4 a.m. |
| Nightly Operating Support Person | Organize HQ prior to start of evening Organize tables & chairs Organize & place radios for easy access Organize Team kits & vests with radios Ensure that Team kits are ready for the next operating night | Must be 19 years of age or older Must be personable and friendly with volunteers |
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