Once again this year, thanks to Operation Red Nose, thousands of citizens of the Suroît region will be able to return home safely after a drunken evening. The organization will begin its support activities on the weekend of November 29 and 30. 

It was this Wednesday, November 6, at 10:30 a.m., live from Manoir Grant, in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, that Répit Le Zéphyr, the project manager of this local 2024 campaign, brought together the media and partners to unveil the details. 

Remember that driving while impaired by alcohol is one of the main causes of accidents on the province's roads.

For its 31st edition in the region, Operation Red Nose will be in action for 12 evenings in 2024, namely: November 29-30, December 6-7, December 13-14, December 19-20 and 21, December 27-28 and December 31. Last year, its volunteers carried out 317 escorts in Vaudreuil-Soulanges and 409 in Beauharnois-Salaberry. An amount of $45,000 was raised for Répit Le Zéphyr.  “This year, our objective is lower since we will have fewer escort evenings than last year. We estimate that we will raise around $40,000 at the end of our 2024 campaign,” confided the organization’s general director, Jessica Mathers

Partners loyal to the position 

On site, we found the partners of the local branch of this organization which is present throughout Quebec. This year, Néomédia Vaudreuil-Soulanges is acting as the exclusive partner of Opération Nez rouge in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region. 

The first to speak was Jean-François Gagnon from Desjardins Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. “We are very proud to support the mission of Operation Red Nose which, each year, helps keep our roads safe during the holiday season. Thank you to the volunteers who are involved in ensuring the safe return of dozens of citizens in the region during the holiday season. You contribute to the annual success of the local campaign,” he said.<

For his part, the pro-mayor of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and municipal councilor, Normand Amesse, also addressed the audience. “The holiday season is often synonymous with celebrations and alcohol consumption. Operation Red Nose is therefore a logical choice to return home safely. Well done to Répit Le Zéphyr who coordinates the local campaign and ensures that drivers get home safely. I encourage everyone to contact the organization in the coming weeks to return home responsibly. »

For his part, the municipal councilor of the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion, Paul Normand, also delivered a short speech.  “Congratulations for what you are doing in the region. We are very happy to support your mission by giving you a check for $1,000 for this 2024 campaign.”

For his part, Sylvain Leblanc, the political advisor to the MP for Beauharnois, Claude Reid, also presented a check, for the same amount, to the general director of Répit Le Zéphyr.  “Both Operation Red Nose and Répit Le Zéphyr are causes that are close to Mr. Reid’s heart. Moreover, citizens should never hesitate to use their service after a drunken evening.”

The political attaché of the MP for Salaberry-Suroît, Claude DeBellefeuille, Rodolphe Demers, also spoke about the pleasure of getting involved as a volunteer. “During the period of Operation Red Nose activity, we hear about the pleasure of the teams who participate and their cohesion. Bravo to Répit Le Zéphyr for masterfully coordinating this activity. In 2024, there are no more excuses for driving your vehicle while impaired. There are alternatives like Operation Red Nose or taxis.”

Volunteers wanted 

As every year, Operation Red Nose is looking for volunteers interested in accompanying callers home. As in the past, those who volunteer their time will be able to get their hands on attractive participation prizes such as a $300 prepaid VISA gift card or a trip for 2 people to a Club Med located in a sunny destination. 

To indicate your interest in getting involved, you can go to the Operation Red Nose website under the Become a volunteer tab. 

To call Operation Red Nose from November 29, here are the telephone numbers: 

Vaudreuil-Dorion: (450) 424-4011;

Salaberry-de-Valleyfield: 450-371-4848.