Operation Red Nose returned from the sidelines to the driver's seat after being paused due to COVID-19.

Coordinator Leo Lapointe says that looking at the numbers from the first year back since 2019, they were able to facilitate over 300 rides.

"I do believe that a lot of people use the service instead of drinking and driving, and that's the main purpose why we're out there, is, of course, to keep the people off the roads when they've had a drink."

Lapointe says that it was a terrific year for the program.

"It makes me feel good. It makes all my volunteers feel good. It's keeping people from drinking and driving. That is the purpose why we're out there."

Lapointe adds that he did get a chance to look at the impaired driving charges from the holiday season, noting that he believes the number of people charged was down due to people being responsible because of the community using red nose, a taxi or a designated driver.

"We'd really like to thank everybody who took the service, and we're going back in full force in 2023."