YMCA cancels Operation Red Nose amid COVID concerns

By Felicia Massey

YMCA Northumberland has decided this Friday to suspend their Operation Red Nose program for the remainder of the season, effective immediately. 

This means that for the remaining dates of operation, Saturday December 18 and Friday December 31 (New Years Eve), the program will not be running. 

The program’s cancellation comes as the number of positive COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the area. 

In a Facebook post, the YMCA says it has suspended the rest of the program’s season in order to “ensure the health, safety and comfort of our staff, volunteers, riders and the community as a whole”.

For the last five years, the Operation Red Nose program has been a free, reliable choice for those out celebrating to have safe rides home during the holiday season. 

They will send callers a team of three volunteers -two getting in your car with you and the 3rd following behind- dropping you and your vehicle off at home safely.

The ride share program would offer these confidential rides home on designated Friday and Saturday evenings from 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. since the end of November.

Operation Red Nose partners with both the Cobourg and Port Hope Police Services each year to ensure the program’s success and help the fight against drinking and driving.

The YMCA Northumberland thanks the community for their continued support, and hopes to be able to offer the full program next holiday season in 2022.