It started 31 years ago and Dauphin R.I.D.E. continues to service Dauphin and surrounding communities.
Over the years, Dauphin R.I.D.E has made sure people who are out and about having fun get home safely along with their vehicles. As the 2023 holiday season continues to ramp up, volunteers are getting ready for what should be another busy weekend.
Running Friday and Saturday this weekend, it's pretty simple. If you drove your vehicle somewhere and have had too much to drink, you can call Dauphin R.I.D.E and they will pick you and your vehicle up and your home will be the next destination. While it is free of charge, donations are greatly appreciated.
Sho-Sho Shuttleworth has been a part of the program for the last 25 years since moving back to Dauphin and to her, this program means a lot.
"My dad and mom have been the driving force of this program for so many years," said Shuttleworth. "My father has since passed and my mom isn't helping out this year, but we just felt that we need to continue with the program."
The program will be in operation from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. this Friday and Saturday. If you and your vehicle need a ride home, call 204-638-5707. Many people have also been wondering what areas Dauphin R.I.D.E services and it isn't just Dauphin.
"We do Ste. Rose, Ochre River, Fork River, Keld," offered Shuttleworth. "Grandview, Gilbert Plains, Roblin...we service a very good portion of the Parkland region, so you don't need to be in Dauphin to take advantage of this service."
If you are outside of town and looking for a ride, you are asked to call before 1:30 a.m. If you are being picked up from outside of Dauphin, Sho-Sho asks that you know the road number where you will be picked up and the address of the residence you are at.
So far this year, Dauphin R.I.D.E has taken 157 people and their vehicles home. While this number is significantly down from last year, Shuttleworth does expect the numbers to pick up over the next three days of operation, especially on New Year's Eve.
"New Year's Eve is always our busiest day," ended Shuttleworth. "We have an incredible group of volunteers set up and they are ready to drive you and your vehicle home safely."
Following this weekend, Dauphin R.I.D.E will return for one more day this year with that being on New Year's Eve.
