Operation Red Nose
Last call before you hit the road! Call a friend, a cab orOperation Red Nose
2025 OPERATION RED NOSE BACK AND READY FOR ANOTHER EXCITING YEAR
If you are interested in volunteering this year
please click the 'VOLUNTEER NOW' button
found in the top right corner.
We look forward to another fun year.
Honorary Co-Chairs
Welcome this year's Honorary Operation Red Nose Co-Chairs Patricia Guernsey from Team Guernsey and Mike Callaghan, former Belleville Police Chief.
2025 Operation Red Nose Statistics
Operation Red Nose?
Say you're heading out to celebrate the holiday season on a cold December weekend. Maybe you plan on having a few drinks or on staying out ‘till the sun comes up. The thing is, you're also planning on bringing your vehicle. So if you do have those drinks or start falling asleep on your feet, do you have a plan for getting home - without getting behind the wheel and endangering people?
Why not plan on calling Operation Red Nose?
Operation Red Nose is a unique December-only designated driver program that operates for free. When you call your local Operation Red Nose headquarters, a three-person Driving Team will be dispatched to pick up you, your passengers AND your car. You and your fellow passengers will be driven to your destination in your vehicle and followed by an Operation Red Nose Escort. You can even call more than once during the same evening.Everyone gets home safely and your vehicle will be there waiting for you in the morning, all free of charge...although donations are accepted and all proceeds will go toward supporting local programs. So keep the snowy streets a little safer and give some kids a shot at sports, all with a single call!
Can anyone call Operation Red Nose?
Operation Red Nose isn't a taxi service. It's a unique program that gets both vehicles and drivers home safely. So while anyone can call, you must have a vehicle in order to get a ride. You also need to wear seat belts so if you have more passengers than seat belts, someone will be staying behind.
How many volunteers does Operation Red Nose need to operate?
It's a case of, “the more, the merrier.” We have a dedicated group of 300 – 350 fantastic volunteers who help keep Operation Red Nose running. However, it's a popular program. The more people that call for rides, the more help we can use to make sure no one is kept waiting for long. If you have an evening to spare and a valid driver's license, we'd love to have you on our team!
What does Operation Red Nose charge for rides?
In a word: nothing. Operation Red Nose Sponsors cover the program's basic operating costs and our many generous volunteers donate their time. However, donations are definitely accepted, and all proceeds go toward supporting programs in the Quinte area.
Is the service confidential?
Absolutely! All volunteers sign a form agreeing not to provide any information that might be used to identify a client, their passengers or their addresses. So don't let worries about discretion drive you away.
The YMCA of Central East Ontario
The YMCA of Central East Ontario – Belleville and John Williams branches – is proud to serve as the host organization for Operation Red Nose.All proceeds raised through Operation Red Nose directly support YMCA camps, helping ensure that every child has the opportunity to build confidence, make new friends, and enjoy meaningful experiences—regardless of their financial circumstances.
At the YMCA, we believe every child deserves a strong, healthy start in life. By participating in or supporting Operation Red Nose, you’re making a real difference in the lives of children and families in our community.
This important program wouldn’t be possible without your support. Operation Red Nose is a free service that depends on the generous donations of those who use it. Thank you for helping us keep our roads safe—and for helping kids thrive.
Dates of Operation
Pick Up Locations
"All rides must start and end within the designated area"
This year we will operate the service from 8:00pm with the last call being at 1:00am.
(613) 962-4334
A team of 3 Operation Red Nose volunteers will pick you up and drive you in your own vehicle
to the destination of your choice, for free.
Volunteer Now!
Registering is easy! Just click on the link to take you to our online registration form...
Want to register in person? Drop in to either the YMCA Belleville Branch at 433 Victoria Avenue or the YMCA John Williams Branch at 50 Monogram Place and the friendly staff at either location will be happy to assist you.
NOTE: Location only supported during Registration Dates and Ride Nights
Volunteer Duties
| Title | Description | Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Escort Driver | Escorts the driver and navigator to and from each client destination Must have a vehicle to do the escorting. | Must be 19 years of age or older Must have valid driver’s license Must have valid / current automobile insurance Must carry license and insurance with them while volunteering |
| Driver | Drives the client’s vehicle. Checks with the client to see insurance documentation. Ensures vehicle is cleared of snow/ice and is fit for driving. | Must be 21 years of age or older Must have valid driver’s license Must carry license and insurance with them while volunteering |
| Navigator | Rides with the Driver in the client's vehicle. Communicates with the Dispatcher by radio or cell phone to coordinate the next pick-up location or to report any incidents. Completes the Telephone/Dispatch Forms; recording times, kilometers traveled, number of passengers, amount of donations, etc. Submits documentation& donations to Cashier/Office Manager nightly. | Must be 19 years of age or older Must be personable in dealing with clients |
| Telephone Operator | Receives calls from clients. Completes Telephone/Dispatch Forms. Retrieves messages off voicemail. Calls back clients when required Communicates with Runner as required. | Must be 19 years of age or older Must be personable and friendly with clients Must be able to ask pertinent questions Must to able to work in a fastpaced environment |
Contact Us!
Sponsors
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