Local volunteers are urging Central Plains residents and visitors to keep the roads safe for all this holiday season… and beyond.
Central Plains Safe Ride Inc.is a newly formed non-profit organization that provides safe transportation for anyone unfit to drive due to alcohol consumption. Keeping Portage la Prairie roads free of drunk driving incidents is their goal, says treasurer for the board Matt Newham, who’s always on the lookout for volunteers to join their ranks.
“We had Portage Minor Hockey for years- they were the hosts, which means that they provided all the volunteers, and all proceeds went to Portage Minor Hockey,” Newham states. “They decided to take a pause this year, so we’ve decided to make a change to open things up to the whole community. We did so by forming a not-for-profit agency called Central Plains Safe Ride Incorporated.”
Any group that volunteers to provide rides will now get to choose the recipient of any donations received during their volunteer slot. Favorite youth organizations include Portage Youth Soccer, Big Brothers Big Sisters, YFC, United Way, and the Portage Pit Bulls.
“This opens it up to the rest of the community to be able to fundraise for various youth groups instead of just one, which I really like,” Newham shares. “And it allows us to, eventually, operate year-round.”
Volunteers will be sent out in groups of three, pick up the caller and their passengers, and drive them AND their vehicle to their desired destination, all with a Central Plains Safe Ride escort. Newham is quick to remind everyone that clients are welcome to call CPSR multiple times a night, as there is no limit to safe choices.
Newham stresses that this service is free to use, but that donations will be gratefully accepted.
However, the program cannot operate without volunteers. Which means that without volunteers, drunk drivers will be on the road, putting themselves and innocent people’s lives at risk.
Newham says that he hopes to receive many calls over the holidays, as the festive season entails additional family parties, social gatherings, and corporate events.
“There’s lots of agencies out there needing funds and looking for volunteers to help them fundraise… and we’re no different,” he notes. “We hope that our business plan gives everybody an equal opportunity to earn some fundraising dollars.”
He emphasizes that all funds raised will stay within the community and go directly towards youth programs.
“Whatever you’re passionate about, you can raise funds for those people to help them with the programs that they provide to the community.”
Becoming a volunteer is simple. All that is needed beforehand is a criminal background check, which is free of charge at the RCMP office- simply state that you’re volunteering with Operation Red Nose, and the RCMP will omit the fee.
“Within 24 hours, we’ll have the check back, and then we’ll call you and get you organized for your night of volunteering.”
Central Plains Safe Ride are now acting as the host for Operation Red Nose in Portage and will continue to operate every holiday season under the Red Nose flag. They kicked off their season on Friday November 29th and run every Friday and Saturday night in December, along with New Year’s Eve. For more information on how to volunteer or to book your ride, call 1-204-239-5570.
