Designated driver service, Operation Red Nose, chalked up more than $12,000 in donations over the holidays.
This year the service ran in Nanaimo from Nov. 29 to Dec. 31 had help from 246 volunteers who formed 82 teams.
Those teams drove 11,715 km on 507 rides that brought 1,200 clients and their cars safely home.
Catharine Edwards, Pacific Sport program coordinator, said the number of people requesting the service has been fairly consistent for the past few years.
“One of the big things I’ve noticed – because I drove on New Year’s Eve as well – is a lot more taxis on the road later and I’ve also noticed a lot more people walking and I’m assuming and hoping that all the other people have designated drivers.”
Donations to Operation Red Nose support Pacific Sport programs for emerging athletes and also helps finance physical literacy programs for youth.