UNews - New Year's Eve

Red Nose back on the roads

trevor.kenney — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 22:39:10 +0000

A year after setting program records for total rides and money raised, Operation Red Nose (ORN) is on the road again for Pronghorn Athletics.

Operating under the slogan, Let Rudy Take the Wheel, the Horns will be participating in their 18th Operation Red Nose, a countrywide initiative aimed at curbing drinking and driving by chauffeuring partygoers and their vehicles home safely.

The program is an annual win-win for the Horns and the southern Alberta community. Run by volunteers and supported generously by community sponsors (such as insurance providers Alpine and Intact Insurance), rides are free of charge to users, with donations accepted. In the end, the program works as a major fundraiser for Horns Athletics and takes numerous potentially unsafe drivers off the roads.

This season, with new Alberta blood-alcohol content regulations in effect, it's expected Operation Red Nose will be utilized more than ever.

"You're really going to need a big volunteer base to cover the demand," says the Lethbridge Regional Police Service. "It's a fantastic program. We have people out on a designated check stop all throughout December and we'd rather have them not find an impaired driver than to have someone who could have used Red Nose come through our stop and get charged."

Sandy Slavin, the director of Sport and Recreation Services, says the push for volunteers is ongoing.

"I would think we need upwards of 800 volunteer slots that need to be filled," says Slavin. "That can include one person filling two or three slots but by the end of the day, there are 800 slots to fill, which is pretty substantial, especially closer to Christmas when the majority of our athletes have headed home."

The first weekend of ORN proved projections right as 170 rides were provided by 90 volunteers on the first two nights of operation. That translates to a 13 per cent increase from last season's opening weekend. By the end of the third week of operation, ORN had given out 875 rides and remained on pace to smash last year's record totals.

Slavin has been pleased to see a number of alumni returning to campus in recent years to help with ORN. She notes that it often just takes one experience with the program for people to get hooked.

"You really do feel good at the end of the night, that you've given something back to not only the Horns program but to the community," she says. "We are finding that more and more of our alumni are coming back and that's how they support their team and their university."

Operation Red Nose operates every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from Nov. 30 through New Year's Eve. To volunteer, contact Horns Athletics at 403-329-2681. To access a ride, call 403-320-4155 from 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.

This story first appeared in the December 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the entire issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Operation Red Nose launches

trevor.kenney — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:53:47 +0000

Operation Red Nose is back for the 17th year of its annual Holiday campaign.

Beginning on the evening of Friday, Nov. 25, Operation Red Nose is a unique program dedicated to the fight against impaired driving. During the Christmas holiday season, individuals who have been drinking or who do not feel fit to drive can be driven home in their own vehicle by a team of Red Nose volunteers. There is no fee for the service, but donations are accepted.

In addition to being a safe driving campaign, Operation Red Nose is a fundraising activity for Pronghorn Athletics. Over the past 16 years, more than $420,000 has been raised in support of the Pronghorn teams.

Here's how it works. Teams of volunteers, consisting of an escort driver, designated driver and navigator provide the Red Nose service. The escort driver drives the volunteers to pick up clients. The designated driver and navigator then accompany the client in the client's vehicle with the navigator completing paperwork while the designated driver gets everyone home safely. Pronghorn Athletics supplies the majority of volunteers, while these numbers are supplemented by community volunteers.

Operation Red Nose has been well supported by community groups, businesses and individuals over the years and the program is once again seeking volunteers to take part. More volunteers are always needed, especially on New Year's Eve. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Pronghorn Athletics at 403-329-2681.

Sponsors are also key to enabling the program to be offered at no cost. Lethbridge businesses have been terrific in providing their support for this valuable service. Along with cash donations, all food and refreshments for volunteers, gas, phone service, and insurance coverage is donated to the program.

Following are nights of operation for the service.

Operation Red Nose Lethbridge
Dates of Operation in 2011
Most Thursday's, Friday's and Saturday's in December and New Year's Eve. (Nov. 25, 26, Dec. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 10, 15, 16, 17, and 31)
Hours of Operation
9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Operation Red Nose Phone Number
403-320-4155
For information about, volunteering, Christmas party reservations, or other
Contact Pronghorn Athletics, 403-329-2681

Semester break offers European adventure

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:30:08 +0000

Chandy Kaip has experience organizing European trips for women's hockey programs. She's looking forward to actually taking the trip this Christmas.

Kaip and the Pronghorns women's hockey program will head to Europe Dec. 26 through Jan. 5, 2011 to participate in the inaugural European Women's Gold Cup tournament. Some 18 months of planning has gone into the excursion that is now, just days away.

"This had been in the back of my mind since I first took the job here," says Kaip, now in her third season as the Horns' head coach. "It's something I really wanted to do for our girls."

The Pronghorns women's hockey team is headed to Germany and Austria for the 2010 Europeam Women's Gold Cup tournament.

Kaip had helped organize a similar trip to Finland for Adrian College, her previous employer. After having done all the legwork and putting the trip in place, she departed Adrian for the job with the Pronghorns, never realizing the fruits of her labour. Even without actually experiencing the Finnish excursion, she knew how valuable a trip like this could be for a program, and built much of her recruiting class at the U of L off its merits.

"I think the fact we had this trip planned brought in quite a few of our top recruits," says Kaip. "We decided to do it this year because we have the opportunity to keep the core of our team together for the next two years. For them to have this experience and then stay together as a group for another year or two, I thought would be very beneficial."

Horns' captain Kathryn Manson is in her fourth year with the program. The environmental sciences student is thrilled at the opportunity.

"I grew up in Dinsmore, Sask., a small town of 375 people. I never actually thought I would be given an opportunity to play overseas," she says.

The tour takes the group through Germany and Austria, and will see the team play games against professional clubs from Switzerland, Germany and Austria. The excursion will also offer the chance to tour the castles of Innsbruck, visit the Bavarian Alps and experience the magic of Salzburg.

"We are also going to visit the concentration camp in Dachau, Germany," says Kaip. "We really wanted to make the most out of this opportunity culturally, and the girls are really looking forward to learning as much as they can about these areas."

A total of 57 people will be making the trek, as the Horns opened participation to family members.

"My mom is coming with me on the trip and I am very excited to be able to share this life experience with her," says Manson. "Both of my parents have always been so supportive of my hockey, and to be able to share this with my mom will be wonderful."

The team has been busy fundraising for the past 18 months to support the excursion, needing to raise about $2,700 per player. While it has taken a lot of work to raise the necessary funds to go to Europe, Kaip says that, given the effort, there's an added appreciation for the opportunity.

"It's always nice to have things handed to you but at the same time, when I took over this program, this was one of the main things I preached, if you work hard, you will get the reward," she says. "It's a part of life in general and it translates to the ice as well. It helps the girls realize that the rewards do come, but only after a lot of effort, time commitment and hard work."

Manson agrees, and says the team has grown closer as they work together toward a common goal.

"We've received unbelievable support from family members, faculty members and businesses throughout the community," says Manson. "It is much more rewarding that we have worked towards making this trip possible. Our team is a very hardworking group of girls and I think this shows off-ice in our schoolwork and in workouts, as well as on-ice in our practices and games."

The greatest reward might yet come down the road. Playing against European professional teams, the Horns have the chance to impress scouts for when they leave university.

"I would love to continue playing," says Manson. "For most girls, once you finish playing CIS, it seems like there are very few opportunities to continue your career. A trip like this continues to open the door for Canadian girls wanting to play in Europe. We're very fortunate to have this opportunity."

GET THE FACTS

• Fundraising initiatives for the trip included the sale of STARS calendars, providing support for the Lethbridge Oldtimers Hockey Tournament, and allowing the Alberta Cup tournament to use the Horns' new team room at Nicholas Sheran Arena in the spring, for which they received a generous donation.

• Former Pronghorns captain Kendal Tremblay is currently playing for the Austrian team that the Horns will face in tournament play. Tremblay and her father will then join the Horns for their cultural excursions.

• Both the German and Swiss teams consist of players from their Olympic programs.

• The Horns will celebrate New Year's Eve at a party in a Salzburg, Austria castle.

For a look at the full issue of the December Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Red Nose enjoys successful holiday season

trevor.kenney — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:36:04 +0000

More than 900 people got home safely this holiday season thanks to 540 Operation Red Nose volunteers and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorn Booster Club.

If not for poor weather during the weekend of Dec. 4 and 5, this holiday season would have set records for both volunteers and the total number of rides as Operation Red Nose celebrated its 15th season at the U of L.

The Pronghorn Booster Club finished off the 2009 campaign with a busy New Year's Eve. With the help of 56 volunteers, 102 rides were provided to the community.

The Pronghorn Booster Club wishes to thank all of their sponsors and volunteers, without which the program could not be successful. A huge thank you is also needed for the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) who once again served as a valuable member of the team as the Alberta provincial sponsor. The IBC plays a big role in helping to achieve the program's mission of raising public awareness on drinking and driving.

Operation Red Nose is a unique program dedicated to the fight against impaired driving. During the Christmas holiday season, individuals who have been drinking or who do not feel fit to drive can be driven home in their own vehicle by a team of Red Nose volunteers. There is no fee for the service, but donations are accepted.

Money raised from the program goes directly to Pronghorn Athletics.

Red Nose just one way U of L connects with southern Alberta

trevor.kenney — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:44:34 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is an indelible part of the southern Alberta community and there's no better time than the holiday season to celebrate that connection.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is connected to its community through a variety of programs, many of which are charitable in nature. One of its highest profile campaigns is the annual Operation Red Nose, which is a mutually beneficial program.

It's the 15th season for Operation Red Nose at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and the demand for their services continues to be on the upswing. That's good news for Pronghorn Athletics, who both administers and then reaps the benefits of the annual designated driving program.

"All of the money we get in from tips goes directly back to our teams and there are a number of different ways they use that money," says Sandy Slavin, executive director, Sport and Recreation Services. "Whether it's going on a training camp, supplementing their meal allowances, used for an exhibition tournament or getting extra gear for their players, it's all very beneficial."

Other initiatives through which the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ supports the community include an annual United Way campaign; the recent MS Awareness Game Night that raised money for the local Multiple Sclerosis Society from ticket sales at a Pronghorn basketball game; the Chillin' for Charity event that raised more than $15,000 for the local United Way chapter; Faculty of Education students filling and donating backpacks to local area children in need; the annual YWCA Christmas hamper campaign that sees individual ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ units support local families in need with Christmas gifts and essentials; and the Sport and Recreation Services Sock and Mitten Drive for the local homeless shelter.

Operation Red Nose was created in 1984 in Quebec City, offering holiday revelers the opportunity to be driven home in their own vehicles, free of charge. It has become a holiday tradition, both for the volunteers who work the program and the many people in southern Alberta who use its services.

Operation Red Nose began Friday, Nov. 27 and runs each Thursday through Saturday night to Dec. 19. It then runs again on New Year's Eve. Volunteers wishing to take part in the program can e-mail Sandy Slavin at slavin@uleth.ca or call Pronghorn Athletics at 403-329-2681.

Red Nose Rides Again Dec. 3 - 5 This Week

trevor.kenney — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:01:09 +0000

More than 70 people got home safely last week thanks to Operation Red Nose.

"All of the money we get in from tips goes directly back to our teams and there are a number of different ways they use that money," says Sandy Slavin, executive director, Sport and Recreation Services. "Whether it's going on a training camp, supplementing their meal allowances, used for an exhibition tournament or getting extra gear for their players, it's all very beneficial."

Created in 1984 in Quebec City, the program offers holiday revelers the opportunity to be driven home in their own vehicles, free of charge. It has become a holiday tradition, both for the volunteers who work the program and the many people in southern Alberta who use its services. To get service call 403-320-4155.

Operation Red Nose runs each Thursday through Saturday night to Dec. 19. It then runs again on New Year's Eve. Volunteers wishing to take part in the program can e-mail Sandy Slavin at slavin@uleth.ca or call Pronghorn Athletics at 403-329-2681.

Operation Red Nose gears up for 15th season

trevor.kenney — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:48:07 +0000

It's the 15th season for Operation Red Nose at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and the demand for their services continues to be on the upswing. That's good news for Pronghorn Athletics, who both administers and then reaps the benefits of the annual designated driving program.

"All of the money we get in from tips goes directly back to our teams and there are a number of different ways they use that money," says Sandy Slavin, executive director, Sport and Recreation Services. "Whether it's going on a training camp, supplementing their meal allowances, used for an exhibition tournament or getting extra gear for their players, it's all very beneficial."

Created in 1984 in Quebec City, the program offers holiday revelers the opportunity to be driven home in their own vehicles, free of charge. It has become a holiday tradition, both for the volunteers who work the program and the many people in southern Alberta who use its services.

With that recognition level comes logistical challenges, such as finding enough volunteers for especially heavy traffic weekends. One of those weekends is the final Friday before Christmas when many Pronghorn athletes have left for Christmas break.

"That was always a date we struggled with to get volunteers," says Slavin. "A couple years ago the suggestion was brought forward to come to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and try and fill a night with as many volunteers from faculty, staff and students. We encouraged as many of the different staff units on campus to come and help us out and had such a good response, we've stayed with it."

Now dubbed '��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Night', it has turned into a popular community-building activity.

"It certainly does build a community atmosphere and interestingly enough, that's the same feedback we get on all the regular nights when Pronghorn athletes are working," says Slavin. "Red Nose is one of the ways in which we develop that Pronghorn Athletics community."

The program has also seen a significant increase in bookings of Christmas parties, a sure indication that southern Albertans are buying into the program.

"It helps us because we know we have some secured business," Slavin says, admitting they may have to actually limit party bookings to 10 on any given night. "By people pre-registering their parties, it gives us a better idea of how many volunteers we need for a certain night."

Operation Red Nose begins Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28, then runs each Thursday through Saturday night to Dec. 19. It then runs again on New Year's Eve. Volunteers wishing to take part in the program can e-mail Sandy Slavin at slavin@uleth.ca or call Pronghorn Athletics at 403-329-2681.

UNews - New Year's Eve

Red Nose back on the roads

Related Topics

Operation Red Nose launches

Related Topics

Semester break offers European adventure

Related Topics

Red Nose enjoys successful holiday season

Related Topics

Red Nose just one way U of L connects with southern Alberta

Related Topics

Red Nose Rides Again Dec. 3 - 5 This Week

Related Topics

Operation Red Nose gears up for 15th season

Related Topics