Operation Red Nose is back for the 17th year of its annual Holiday campaign.

Beginning on the evening of Friday, Nov. 25, Operation Red Nose is a unique program dedicated to the fight against impaired driving. During the Christmas holiday season, individuals who have been drinking or who do not feel fit to drive can be driven home in their own vehicle by a team of Red Nose volunteers. There is no fee for the service, but donations are accepted.

In addition to being a safe driving campaign, Operation Red Nose is a fundraising activity for Pronghorn Athletics. Over the past 16 years, more than $420,000 has been raised in support of the Pronghorn teams.

Here's how it works. Teams of volunteers, consisting of an escort driver, designated driver and navigator provide the Red Nose service. The escort driver drives the volunteers to pick up clients. The designated driver and navigator then accompany the client in the client's vehicle with the navigator completing paperwork while the designated driver gets everyone home safely. Pronghorn Athletics supplies the majority of volunteers, while these numbers are supplemented by community volunteers.

Operation Red Nose has been well supported by community groups, businesses and individuals over the years and the program is once again seeking volunteers to take part. More volunteers are always needed, especially on New Year's Eve. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Pronghorn Athletics at 403-329-2681.

Sponsors are also key to enabling the program to be offered at no cost. Lethbridge businesses have been terrific in providing their support for this valuable service. Along with cash donations, all food and refreshments for volunteers, gas, phone service, and insurance coverage is donated to the program.

Following are nights of operation for the service.

Operation Red Nose Lethbridge
Dates of Operation in 2011
Most Thursday's, Friday's and Saturday's in December and New Year's Eve. (Nov. 25, 26, Dec. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 10, 15, 16, 17, and 31)
Hours of Operation
9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Operation Red Nose Phone Number
403-320-4155
For information about, volunteering, Christmas party reservations, or other
Contact Pronghorn Athletics, 403-329-2681