A24 • Friday, November 30, 2012 • Burnaby NOW
CELEBRATING
Red Nose ready to go Annual program to help get people home safely during holidays kicks off tonight Alfie Lau
staff reporter
With this month’s announcement that Burnaby and New Westminster are now part of Operation Red Nose, tonight (Nov. 30) is the first night people can use the service to get home safely after a night of celebrating. Operation Red Nose began in Quebec in 1984 and has since spread across the country. The program’s volunteers pick you up and drive you and your vehicle home. The cost for this service is reasonable too: It’s free. Donations are encouraged and certainly appreciated. Since the program runs on weekends throughout December, local organizers are looking for volunteer drivers in both Burnaby and New Westminster. “Volunteers are the heart and soul of Operation Red Nose, and this is such a success story,” said local coordinator Chris Wilson, who pointed out that in the neighbouring Tri-Cities last year, 139 volunteers gave almost 600 rides. “As amazing as that was, we’re still looking for more help. As the awareness grows, the need for more volunteers grows, too.” Wilson said the service has been warmly received in the Tri-Cities, and he expects a similar response in Burnaby and New Westminster. “The main focus is getting people
home safely, but we have a very generous community,” said Wilson. “Last year, our average donation was over $30, which was the highest in the province.” Volunteers come from all walks of life and in the past have included sitting mayors and councillors from the Tri-Cities. “We have everyone from 19-year-olds to 78-year-olds and everyone in between,” said Wilson. “It’s a lot of fun. You meet some great people and you have the satisfaction of getting people home safely.” Volunteers work in teams of three, with two driving the client in the client’s vehicle and the third following behind in their vehicle. “This makes it safe for everyone,” said Wilson. “It’s also fun because you can volunteer with friends, or we’ll create a team for you.” Last year, Operation Red Nose saw 4,241 volunteers providing 7,716 rides with 12 host groups serving more than 23 communities in the province. Volunteers drove more than 188,000 kilometres to help people get themselves and their vehicles home safely. The service will be available on Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 and 31. Anybody who wishes to volunteer in Burnaby, New West or the Tri-Cities is asked to contact Wilson at 604-341-0241. To use the service, call 778-866-NOSE (6673). For more information, go to www. operationrednose.com. Volunteers are asked to fill out a simple application and have a criminal record check done. www.twitter.com/ AlfieLau
We were in town recently to discuss the proposed expansion of the pipeline. Let’s continue the discussion online. The next discussion phase begins in early 2013. Watch our website for details.
ROTARY CLUB OF BURNABY DEER LAKE PRESENTS:
A N N U A L
FESTIVAL of LIGHTS
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November 14 to December 26
Help school kids stay dry and warm over the cold and rainy seasons. Winter boots will be provided to children that attend several of the Burnaby Community Schools. All donations go to support the Boots for Kids program and other Rotary service projects. For more information visit our website at www.rotaryburnabydeerlake.org. View the decorated trees and vote for your favourite tree for a chance to Win a $200 Brentwood Town Centre Gift Card. The draw from submissions for favourite tree contest will be held at 6pm on December 21st. Full rules at Brentwood Customer Service Kiosk Our Generous Sponsors: • Ocean View/Forest Lawn Funeral Homes • ABC Recycling Ltd. • BCAA Loyalty Services • Paris Jewellers • Husky/Mohawk Stations • Bell & Burnaby Funeral Home • Brentwood Town Centre • Canlan Ice Sports - Burnaby 8 Rinks • Community Savings Credit Union • Delta Burnaby Hotel • Harry Bloy, MLA • HUB International Insurance Brokers • Kemp Harvey Goodison Hamilton • Ledingham McAlister Properties • Richie Bros. Auctions • Shape Property Management • TD Canada Trust • Vancity Credit Union
TRANS MOUNTAIN EXPANSION PROJECT The Conversation Continues
We invite you to take part in the ongoing discussion about the proposed expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline. Visit our website and join the online forums to learn more about the project and give your feedback. Send an email, call us or follow the project on Twitter.
Join the discussion: transmountain.com info@transmountain.com 1.866.514.6700 @TransMtn
We appreciate your thoughts. Please send us the feedback form for this phase, found on our website, by Dec. 14, 2012. CANADA