It's a call that goes a long way.

Operation Red Nose officially started in Portage la Prairie last night, giving partygoers a safe ride home.

Coordinator Leo Lapointe says people see value in the program.

"We're always having a lot of people asking about it the week or two before, since the launch of the program," says Lapointe. "Everybody's ready for it. There are a lot of parties out there. What we just want is people not to drink and drive."

Leo LapointeThe local host for Portage and area is the Portage Terriers Minor Hockey team. Lapointe says there are many parents helping out this year. Donations are also being collected for the program.

Lapointe adds that doesn't mean you cannot be a part of the program. It's easy to get involved.

"Everybody in the community that wants to come out, go to the detachment and fill out a free criminal record check, plus an Operation Red Nose application," says Lapointe. "From there, I'll get it. Just circle which dates you're good, and you know what? I'll put you to work! That night, we'll feed you, and we'll send you out and you'll have some good rides. We'll keep drinking and driving off of the roads."

Lapointe says he remembers wanting to hit a 500 ride milestone a few years ago, and now he's aiming for 700. The more people who use the program, the safer the streets will be.

"Last year, we did 640 rides," says Lapointe. "On those given nights, especially the busy weekends as we go on here, just before Christmas, those weekends are really busy. If I recall, fast number, I think we did 85 to 90 rides. New Year's Eve last year was just busy, busy."

Anyone wishing to get a ride can call 204-239-5570. The rides begin at 9 p.m. and run until 3 a.m. every Friday and Saturday until December 28th. They will also be running New Year's Eve.

You can find more information at their official website here.