Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age requirement for becoming a volunteer?
The minimum age is 16. However, the designated driver must be at least 21 years of age, and the escort driver and navigator must be at least 19 years of age.
Do you offer volunteer training?
Yes, at the beginning of the night, a 30-minute training session is offered. Each volunteer is required to take this training once per year.
Do I have to volunteer every night of the campaign?
No, you can volunteer for only one night.
How many nights are there during the Operation Red Nose campaign?
There are between 9 to 11 nights. The designated driver service runs on Fridays and Saturdays from the end of November to December 31 (regardless of which day of the week the 31st of December falls on).
What are the various volunteer positions?
Escort Driver: Transports the drive team and follows the client's vehicle with the team escort vehicle.
Designated Driver: Drives the client’s vehicle.
Navigator: Accompanies the Designated Driver in the client’s vehicle to the client’s destination, communicates with the dispatcher, and manages the client and the client’s information.
Dispatcher: Assigns teams to various clients, maintains contact with teams, and manages the dispatch board.
Telephone Operator: Fields incoming calls from clients during operating hours, and fills in clients’ ride information for distribution to drive teams.
Assistant Dispatcher: Manages ride information forms provided by the telephone operators. Helps the dispatcher.
Runner: Prepares the headquarters, welcomes volunteers and distributes kits to drive teams.
Host/ Hostess: Welcomes volunteers at the beginning of the evening, confirms volunteer information and identity, and confirms drive teams.
Trainer: Facilitates volunteer training session.
Safety Inspector: Inspects escort vehicles.
I do not like to drive in the winter. Is there something else I could do as a volunteer?
Yes, there are different positions at headquarters that do not require being on the road. For example, Operation Red Nose needs telephone operators, trainers, hosts, dispatchers, and people to verify vehicle safety.
Can I volunteer for more than one volunteer position during the campaign?
Yes, you can change roles from one evening to the other.
In addition, you can volunteer for more than one position during the same evening, as certain jobs do not take the entire evening. (Designated driver teams are an exception and cannot change roles during the evening.)
Do I have to volunteer for the entire night?
No, certain positions only require a few hours at the beginning of the evening.
It is preferable that designated driver teams be available for the entire night; however, it is not mandatory. You can end your volunteer shift at any time if you feel you are too tired to continue safely.
Can I still volunteer if I am alone?
Yes, it would be our pleasure to add you to one of our exceptional teams.
What do I need to bring?
All volunteers are required to show proper photo identification.
Escort drivers must provide their own vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and proof of registration and insurance. Operation Red Nose Chaleur will reimburse escort drivers at a rate of $0.20 per kilometer.
The designated driver must provide a valid driver’s license.
The navigator must bring a cellphone to communicate with the dispatcher.
We recommend that you wear warm clothing.
What are the hours of operation?
Telephone lines are open from 9:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. every night except December 31, at which time they are open from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. The designated driver service may go until 3:30 a.m. or 4 a.m. depending on the number of calls received.
We ask volunteers to arrive at 8 p.m. for registration.
We offer a complimentary meal and refreshments for volunteers.
The minimum age is 16. However, the designated driver must be at least 21 years of age, and the escort driver and navigator must be at least 19 years of age.
Do you offer volunteer training?
Yes, at the beginning of the night, a 30-minute training session is offered. Each volunteer is required to take this training once per year.
Do I have to volunteer every night of the campaign?
No, you can volunteer for only one night.
How many nights are there during the Operation Red Nose campaign?
There are between 9 to 11 nights. The designated driver service runs on Fridays and Saturdays from the end of November to December 31 (regardless of which day of the week the 31st of December falls on).
What are the various volunteer positions?
Escort Driver: Transports the drive team and follows the client's vehicle with the team escort vehicle.
Designated Driver: Drives the client’s vehicle.
Navigator: Accompanies the Designated Driver in the client’s vehicle to the client’s destination, communicates with the dispatcher, and manages the client and the client’s information.
Dispatcher: Assigns teams to various clients, maintains contact with teams, and manages the dispatch board.
Telephone Operator: Fields incoming calls from clients during operating hours, and fills in clients’ ride information for distribution to drive teams.
Assistant Dispatcher: Manages ride information forms provided by the telephone operators. Helps the dispatcher.
Runner: Prepares the headquarters, welcomes volunteers and distributes kits to drive teams.
Host/ Hostess: Welcomes volunteers at the beginning of the evening, confirms volunteer information and identity, and confirms drive teams.
Trainer: Facilitates volunteer training session.
Safety Inspector: Inspects escort vehicles.
I do not like to drive in the winter. Is there something else I could do as a volunteer?
Yes, there are different positions at headquarters that do not require being on the road. For example, Operation Red Nose needs telephone operators, trainers, hosts, dispatchers, and people to verify vehicle safety.
Can I volunteer for more than one volunteer position during the campaign?
Yes, you can change roles from one evening to the other.
In addition, you can volunteer for more than one position during the same evening, as certain jobs do not take the entire evening. (Designated driver teams are an exception and cannot change roles during the evening.)
Do I have to volunteer for the entire night?
No, certain positions only require a few hours at the beginning of the evening.
It is preferable that designated driver teams be available for the entire night; however, it is not mandatory. You can end your volunteer shift at any time if you feel you are too tired to continue safely.
Can I still volunteer if I am alone?
Yes, it would be our pleasure to add you to one of our exceptional teams.
What do I need to bring?
All volunteers are required to show proper photo identification.
Escort drivers must provide their own vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and proof of registration and insurance. Operation Red Nose Chaleur will reimburse escort drivers at a rate of $0.20 per kilometer.
The designated driver must provide a valid driver’s license.
The navigator must bring a cellphone to communicate with the dispatcher.
We recommend that you wear warm clothing.
What are the hours of operation?
Telephone lines are open from 9:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. every night except December 31, at which time they are open from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. The designated driver service may go until 3:30 a.m. or 4 a.m. depending on the number of calls received.
We ask volunteers to arrive at 8 p.m. for registration.
We offer a complimentary meal and refreshments for volunteers.
