Operation Nez Rouge launches annual campaign

Quebec's Operation Nez Rouge has launched its annual campaign to get drivers home safely during the holiday season.

The volunteer drive-home service operates across the country, but the organization said Quebecers are the ones who use it the most.

Spokesperson David Latouche said more than half of the 80,000 rides the service provides across Canada every year are in Quebec.

"Most Quebecers know Operation Red Nose," he said. "We had a poll two years ago where we learned that 98 per cent of Quebecers know Operation Red Nose."

Latouche said the service started recruiting volunteers last month but is still looking for more.

But before they can get behind the wheel, interested participants must first go through a police background check.

"People will be driving other people's cars and we want to make sure they have no criminal record," Latouche said.

New app this year

This year, Operation Nez Rouge has a new smartphone application to make it easier for people to get in touch with the service and find out wait times.

Last year the service raised more than $1-million for local, non-profit amateur sports groups.