Operation Red Nose (ORN) volunteers gave nearly 40 rides this weekend in Vaudreuil-Soulanges and Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.

For this first weekend of operation of the 32nd edition of ORN in the region, exactly 20 accompaniments were given in Vaudreuil-Soulanges, and 19 in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.

Once again this year, ORN in the region is supporting Répit Le Zéphyr, which offers daily care and respite services to families with members living with an autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability.

"In 2022, we made 288 accompaniments on the Vaudreuil-Soulanges territory and 326 on the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield territory in eleven accompaniment evenings. This year, we're aiming for more, due to the lifting of the latest COVID-19 health regulations, as well as the fact that three additional drive-home evenings are planned," said Jessica Mathers, Executive Director of Répit Le Zéphyr, a beneficiary of Operation Red Nose in the region, at the press conference. 

Volunteers needed 

"As in the past, we are looking for volunteers to help out with various tasks during drive-home evenings. Volunteers can be assigned to the front desk, the call center or out in the field as drivers, escorts or chaperones. We're also recruiting people interested in accompanying the mascot to bars, public places and private company parties," she adds. 

In fact, private companies who would like Nez rouge to make a stop at their holiday party can send a request by e-mail to [email protected].

"Companies wishing to do so can also purchase drive-home coupons to give to their employees at a holiday gathering. It's a great way to make sure they get home safely," she says. 

Safe rides for a good cause

"The money raised by ONR this year will enable us to offer our customers reduced-rate home-sitting hours. Last year, for example, we received $37,000 from the ONR campaign in the region. This amount came from sponsors, rides, the sale of promotional items and donations collected by the mascot during his tours of bars and businesses in the region," summarized Ms. Mathers. 

In Vaudreuil-Dorion, volunteers will take calls directly from the Omni-Centre at (450) 424-4011. 

The next pick-ups will be on December 1 and 2.