Cobourg Mayor John Henderson took a moment at this week's council meeting to congratulate the volunteers behind the Operation Red Nose program that ran over the holiday season.
Offered through YMCA Northumberland, its volunteers provided free transportation home (for both the partier and for his or her vehicle) solely in the interests of public safety. And in those cases where someone received such assistance and wanted to show some appreciation, they could make a donation to the YMCA Strong Kids Fund, which ensures that no child misses out on the programming at the Y because of economic barriers.
“Probably among the most important statistics is that there were zero impaired charges in the Cobourg-Port Hope-Northumberland County area through that entire period, which is a telling story,” Henderson stated.
Another amazing statistic is that the program raised $35,000 for the Strong Kids Fund.
It's entirely volunteer-run, Henderson reiterated, so he hopes members of the community will come forward to help.
It's a late night for the volunteers, he allowed, but even to sign up for one night here and there would be a big help.