Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteers do their best to respond to requests for safe rides, but on busy evenings, wait times may vary depending on demand and team availability. If you need to cancel your request, it's important to notify your local dispatch center to prevent a volunteer team from being sent out unnecessarily to drive you.

The service is offered free of charge by volunteers. However, donations are accepted and help fund youth and amateur sports projects in your community.

No, it is not possible to reserve a ride for a specific date or time.

The Operation Red Nose service relies on volunteer involvement. Therefore, it is not possible to predict the number of teams available, nor the demand, at a given date and time. Thus, to ensure fair and equitable service for all those wishing to use the Operation Red Nose ride service, the "first come, first served" rule applies.

No. Operation Red Nose's designated driver service provides transportation for individuals and their vehicles. To use the service, you must have the vehicle you wish to drive home with you at the time of your request. If you do not have a vehicle with you, we encourage you to call a cab, use a ride-share app, or public transportation.

Whether it's fatigue, alcohol, drug or medication use, worry about driving in winter conditions or for any other reason, Operation Red Nose volunteers will be happy to safely drive you home.

All donations go to local non-profit organizations that support youth or amateur sports. To know how the funds are used in your community, please click HERE

One can make a cash donation at the end of the ride. Some organizations also accept online donations HERE

The safety of volunteers and those receiving rides is Operation Red Nose's top priority. During registration, volunteers' identities and driver's licenses are verified. A rigorous background check process is also in place.

Anyone who does not feel fit to drive can use Operation Red Nose’s service, provided they are in an area where the service is available and have a vehicle in which they can be driven.

Yes, it’s possible! Two volunteers must ride in the client’s vehicle. The number of available seatbelts in your vehicle determines how many people can use the safe ride service.

Yes. You can request a ride for someone else, as long as the person being driven consents to the ride, you have the necessary information about their vehicle (make and color), and the person is present when the volunteer team arrives for pickup.

To ensure optimal coverage and service efficiency, certain limits may apply regarding the service area and travel distance. Your local headquarters will be able to provide you with more details.