The 2017 season of Operation Red Nose is halfway through and are continuing their goal of giving safe rides home for people and their vehicle.

Spokesperson Mariette Kirouac says 42 volunteers were able to give 67 safe rides home and raise just over $1,400 for cultural and sports equipment at Ecole St. Joachim. Kirouac notes there were four rides missed because the volunteers were already kept quite busy, noting the need for volunteers is still ever present.

Kirouac adds there was a large staff party at Fridensfeld where the company's H.R. department sent a memo to staff encouraging them to call Operation Red Nose. She says there was a team who drove out-of-uniform RCMP officers and their personal vehicles home, which was great to see them setting a good example for everyone else.

She notes there are good stories volunteers share each night.

"One team had a really good laugh entering into a client's vehicle. Upon starting the vehicle the whole dashboard lit up like they've never seen before. Every low level, high temperature, engine done, maintenance required; every warning light went on. The volunteers looked at each other, then back at the dashboard, then looked at each other again and had a good laugh with the client. He said, 'this is my Christmas tree dashboard.'"

Kirouac says Melanie Bedard will be joining her and co-piloting Operation Red Nose.

"She's originally from La Broquerie, but she lives in Winnipeg. However, she still supports the program and everything it means that she is very happy to now help me with promoting Operation Red Nose."

More volunteers are needed. To volunteer or have a safe ride home for you and your vehicle this weekend, call 204-424-9555.