File photo of Operation Red Nose volunteers (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

2019 OPERATION RED NOSE

More than 1,200 Operation Red Nose rides in Kamloops raised $33,000

Jan 3, 2020 | 11:51 AM

KAMLOOPS — Operation Red Nose has wrapped up its 2019 safe ride home campaign and donations for amateur athletes in the community matched what was raised last year.

Coordinator Katie Klassen says 1,218 rides were given to people after their nights out in Kamloops, and those passengers collectively donated about $33,000.

“This is a fundraiser for Pacific Sport Interior BC — so supporting our amateur athletes within Kamloops here. And supporting our youth programs, coach education, and just supporting those athletes who are on that journey to higher competition,” reminds Klassen, “So it’s a great cause and we’re really happy with how everything wrapped up.”

Kamloops placed first in BC out of the 11 host communities taking part in Operation Red Nose, beating out larger centres such as Langley, Burnaby, and the North Vancouver area. The Tournament Capital also placed 16th in Canada for its successful, volunteer-led fundraising.

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Dispatch / office volunteers during a night of service in 2019. (Image Credit: Operation Red Nose Kamloops / Facebook)

During busy evenings over the course of the campaign, co-ordinator Tara Holmes says volunteers came out in droves, and some nights they had enough for 22 driving teams. The last night for service on New Year’s Eve had about 15 teams ready to bring in 2020 revellers home safely.

Holmes says the volunteer effort overall was substantial this year.

“If you can believe it, we had 235 volunteers. And that was great because early on we kind of worry about whether we’ll get enough volunteers, but they all stepped up, as Kamloops always does.”

A volunteer appreciation night will be held next week, then organizers say planning will begin for the 2020 holiday season campaign.