Operation Red Nose held its launch event on Wednesday to get ready for the upcoming season.

They will start offering the program on November 29th. Leo Lapointe is the Coordinator for Operation Red Nose. He talks about what the program is.

"It's a service that we provide every year around the Christmas season, usually the last weekend in November and into January," says Lapointe. "It's a service that we run where you phone us and we take you and your vehicle home. We don't want drinking and driving on the road because there's a lot of parties going on, and we would love people to get home safe with their friends and families."

The ride is free, but donations are accepted and encouraged. All proceeds go towards the Portage Minor Hockey Association. Lapointe says it's a very important program.

"It's to keep drinking and driving off of the roads of Portage and area. We don't want people to have a few drinks and get behind the wheel or cannabis," says Lapointe. "We don't want them to get behind the wheel and there to be an accident, and all of a sudden a fatality. So by doing this, they call us, and then we drive everybody safe during the holiday season."

He notes it's not too late for you to sign up as a volunteer. He outlines how you can join.

"If they want to get involved, all they have to do is come to the local Portage Detachment, fill out the application, and do a free criminal record check. When you fill it out, put what dates you want to do," says Lapointe. "Come by your self, bring two more people and build a group, then I will put you to work, and we will have a good time.

Lapointe also won the Golden Antlers award from Operation Rednose. He says it was an honour to be recognized and didn't see it coming.

To get a ride from Operation Red Nose you can contact them starting November 29th, at 239-5570.