Operation Red Nose cancelled in Outaouais due to volunteer shortage

Tashi Farmilo

For the first time in four decades, Operation Red Nose will not be available in the Outaouais during the holiday season. The Pat Burns Foundation, which had organized the program locally for the past five years, has withdrawn from the 2025 edition due to a shortage of volunteer support.

The Foundation stated that while its operations are entirely volunteer-run, running Operation Red Nose requires an additional team specifically devoted to the campaign. "Organizing Operation Red Nose also requires an additional volunteer team dedicated to fully coordinating the service. That added burden was no longer feasible this year," said Elodie Brault, Vice-President of the Foundation.

Providing this seasonal service involves more than dispatching volunteer drivers. It calls for a dedicated coordinator or team to oversee planning, volunteer management, logistics, and partnerships. Without that structure in place, it was not possible to safely and effectively deliver the service this year.

In an effort to salvage the 2025 edition, the Foundation reached out to local organizations, sports groups, and institutions to explore shared leadership or a possible transition. "Despite the goodwill of several actors, no structure could be confirmed in time to allow for a 2025 edition," Brault said.

The cancellation affects hundreds of potential users in the region. In 2024 alone, nearly 600 residents used Operation Red Nose in the Outaouais to get home safely after a night out. While the service will still be active in 42 regions across Quebec this year, including for 84 percent of the province's population, Outaouais residents will need to make alternate plans.

The Foundation encourages the public to take precautions when celebrating during the holidays and to plan for safe transportation options such as taxis, designated drivers, public transit, or private ride services.

"Road safety remains a collective responsibility, especially during the holiday season. We understand the community's attachment to this service and share the hope of seeing it return to Outaouais," said Brault.