The coming festive season in Portage will see something new.

Operation Red Nose is set to launch November 18th, but needs about 80 volunteers to make it happen. They drive holiday revellers and their vehicles home on weekends in December.

Coordinator Cindy Mulder directs volunteers to the RCMP detachment, where applications are available. Following a criminal record check, they're clear to participate. Mulder stresses they always work in teams of three, with an escort driver in their own vehicle, a driver for the client's vehicle, and a navigator.

She's convinced Operation Red Nose is an important community project that will make Portage's streets safer during the festive season.

The project operates from 9 pm until 3 am over the four weekends in December.