YMCA Northumberland is proud to celebrate a major milestone this year, with the 10th Anniversary of Operation Red Nose in our region. For a decade, thanks to our dedicated volunteers and community partnerships, we have provided thousands of safe rides home.
The 2025 operation starts this Friday, November 29 using a new phone number; 905-376-1207.
Operation Red Nose continues its mission of helping individuals celebrate responsibly by offering a safe ride home in their own vehicles. The service will operate from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on: Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, Dec. 19, Dec. 20, & Dec. 31.
“This program in itself helps save lives and ensures everyone celebrates safely during the holiday season — make sure you call Red Nose to get home safely,” said Chief of Cobourg Police Service, Paul VandeGraaf.
Founded in 1984, Operation Red Nose is a national non-profit organization committed to preventing impaired driving through community-led initiatives. In Northumberland County, every dollar raised supports the YMCA Strong Communities Campaign, which opens doors for families in need, supports new parents and their babies, helps youth access essential programs, and empowers children through camps and swim lessons.
“As we celebrate 10 incredible years of Operation Red Nose in Northumberland, we’re proud of the legacy our volunteers and partners have helped build,” said Eunice Kirkpatrick, President and Chief Executive Officer, YMCA Northumberland. “This program not only embodies the true spirit of the season — care, generosity, and connection — but it also makes our community safer.”
Since launching locally in 2014, YMCA Northumberland’s Operation Red Nose has provided over 4,250 safe rides and logged more than 49,700 kilometres across the county. Now in its 10th year, the program continues to grow its impact, fostering community spirit and promoting responsible celebration.
Community members are encouraged to call Operation Red Nose Northumberland at 905-376-1207 on nights of operation. When a call is received, three volunteers are dispatched in an escort vehicle to the pick-up location.
One volunteer (Designated Driver), accompanied by a second volunteer (Navigator), drives the caller and any passengers to their destination in the caller’s own vehicle. The third volunteer (Escort Driver) follows in the escort vehicle and transports the team to the next call.
Join us this season as we celebrate 10 years of safety & service. Find more details at https://ymcanrt.org/orn/
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
