Operation Red Nose won’t be running in Sask. this winter

COVID-19 is putting the brakes on Operation Red Nose in Saskatchewan.

In a media release Wednesday, the program that offers safe rides home to revellers during the holiday season announced it won’t be operating in Saskatchewan this winter.

Organizers said “the current public health situation and its logistical impact on the service” were responsible for the cancellation.

“The safety of our volunteers, clients, and local host organizations has always been one of our top priorities,” Jean-Philippe Giroux, the executive director for Operation Red Nose, said in the release. “The decision was made after long and careful consideration, and not without emotion.”

The program wasn’t available in Regina last winter either after the Kinsmen — who had run the program in the Queen City for the previous seven years — opted not to participate. A new partner couldn’t be found before the holidays arrived.

Operation Red Nose allows people to call a number during the holidays and get a safe ride home for them and their car in exchange for a donation. The program partners with a charitable organization in the host city to run things on the ground and to be the recipient of the donations.

In Wednesday’s media release, Operation Red Nose said it will continue to promote its message by reminding people to plan for a safe way to get home by calling a friend, a relative or a cab, by arranging for a designated driver, or by staying overnight at the location of the festivities.