Operation Red Nose will once again operate flights to Winnipeg after concerns a lack of funds could block service during the holiday season.

The organization that provides a safe ride home during the holidays was concerned it would not be able to operate this season due to a lack of funding that occurred after the host charity withdrew.

According to Operation Red Nose volunteer media liaison Elisha Dacey, the Manta Swim Club decided to pursue other charitable opportunities, leaving the organization in need of another host charity.

The Winnipeg Kids Foundation stepped in, but it didn’t solve all of Operation Red Nose’s financial problems.

“When we changed direction, there was a small funding gap,” Dacey said.

“We had higher than normal start-up costs and we were concerned that we wouldn’t be able to cover our initial costs just because we were working on a very short time frame, and the holiday season was coming up and we had to launch.”

The organization was expected to raise approximately $100,000. He appealed for support from businesses, sponsors and generous Winnipeggers. Although Dacey can’t say how much they were able to raise because a number of the pledges were for in-kind donations, she said Winnipeggers showed great contribution.

“I can tell you we are very close to where we need to be and we have no doubt in our ability to launch next week.”

Operation Red Nose faced similar challenges in Brandon. Organizers had to put the brakes on this year’s program due to a lack of volunteers. They hope to bring it back in 2025.

Now that the money is almost settled at its Winnipeg branch, the organization now needs about 300 volunteers to get going in mid-November. Several positions are open, including drivers, office workers and committee members.

Dacey has been a volunteer for several years.

“It’s actually a lot of fun, and you meet some pretty cool Winnipeggers, and you’re not alone. You’re with a group of three people, so you can chat and laugh, and you can also make sure everyone gets home safely.

Details on how to volunteer or donate can be found on the Opération Nez Rouge website.