The Dauphin R.I.D.E. (Reducing Impaired Driving Everywhere) Program has returned for its 30th year.
The service provides people in Dauphin and area with a safe ride home for them and their vehicle if they have been celebrating the festive season with alcohol or cannabis. The program begins on Friday, December 2nd, and Saturday, December 3rd, operating from 10 pm to 3 am each night.
Spokesperson for Dauphin R.I.D.E., Sarah Shuttleworth, says there is a need for volunteer drivers.
"Our last year was 2019, so our volunteer list has dwindled quite a bit since then, [and] we run solely on volunteers", commented Shuttleworth, who's grandfather John Shuttleworth headed the committee that started the R.I.D.E. Program 30 years ago
Volunteer drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's licence. The program also needs people to help with setup and to provide snacks to the volunteers. To sign up, you can call 204-638-1463 and leave a message, or contact their facebook page. The program is also welcoming donations of money to help with the cost of running it.
It is important to note that if you need to use the Dauphin R.I.D.E. Program, you must have a vehicle to bring home as well, and they will only take you home.
"We aren't a taxi service, you must have a vehicle. We will also not drive you from one party to another, we drive you straight home", noted Shuttleworth.
If you need to use the R.I.D.E. service, you can call 638-5707. It will be available from 10 pm to 3 am on the following nights:
Friday, December 2nd
Saturday, December 3rd
Friday, December 9th
Saturday, December 10th
Friday, December 16th
Saturday, December 17th
Friday, December 23rd
New Year's Eve, Saturday, December 31st
