Operation Red Nose celebrates 2 million rides

In 1984, a math professor and swimming coach atLaval University had an idea he'd help address the problem ofimpaired driving by gettingmembers of his swim team to offer rides home to motorists who have had too many drinks to get behind the wheel.

Thirty-two years later, that same man is still teaching mathematics at the universityand he's also seen Operation Red Nose known in Quebec as Opration Nez Rouge grow into a Canada-wide organization.

Operation Red Nose's founding president, Jean-Marie DeKoninck, celebrated his organization's 2 millionthride in Canada on Saturday night.

He said it's a special moment for his organizationand for himpersonally.

"We started off Operation Red Nose in Quebec City in 1984. At that time, it lasted only 11 days and we gave 463 rides. Now, for the 32nd year, we're up to 2 millionrides across Canada," De Koninck said.

He said his plans weren't ambitiouswhen he first started the service. But since then, Operation Red Nose has expanded to cities in seven different provinces across Canada: Quebec, Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, British Columbia and Manitoba.

Operation Red Nose has also taken off internationally, with partnersin overseas countries such as France and Portugal.

"It means a lot," he said.

DeKonincksayshe's proud of what his organization has done to help educate people about the dangers of drinking and driving.

"There's definitely been a change in mentality. Certainly, Operation Red Nose has contributed to this change. Sowe're all proud the big family of Operation Red Nose we're all proud of this change in behaviour."