Don’t get caught red-nosed!
For 42 years, Operation Red Nose (Nez Rouge) has been ensuring residents of the Municipalite régional de comté (MRC) d’Argenteuil have a safe way to get home instead of driving if they are impaired after attending holiday social events.
The Club Richelieu of Lachute is the proud presenter of Operation Red Nose in Argenteuil, which will be offering its ride service during nine evenings in December.
Lachute Richelieu Club President Brigitte Lallemand said this is the eighth year the club has supported Operation Red Nose in Argenteuil.
Benoit Aubin, who oversees Operation Red Nose in Argenteuil, said there are nine evenings the service will be available to anyone needing a way to get home safely.
The safe ride home service will take place every Friday and Saturday in December (5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27) in addition to Wednesday, December 31, 2025, between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Whether it is due to alcohol, drugs, medication, or even fatigue, the volunteer teams of Operation Red Nose Argenteuil will be there to ensure safe rides home.
To use the designated driver service, simply call 450-562-4111 or use the mobile app. The service area comprises the nine municipalities of the MRC d’Argenteuil: Brownsburg-Chatham, Gore, Grenville, Grenville-sur-la-Rouge, Harrington, Lachute, Mille-Isles, Saint-André-d’Argenteuil, and Wentworth. The starting point must be located in one of these municipalities.
Although the service is free, Operation Red Nose collects donations from service users, in addition to receiving contributions from generous sponsors. Besides making roads safer, Operation Red Nose Argenteuil raises funds to help the Richelieu Club of Lachute support various causes dedicated to youth and amateur sports.
In 2024, the Richelieu Club donated half of the funds raised by Operation Red Nose to the Maison de la famille Au cœur des générations d’Argenteuil (Family Centre at the Heart of Generations in Argenteuil) to support its Living Environment project. In 2025, the Richelieu Club will renew its contribution to the Maison de la famille to support it in fulfilling its mission.
Maison de la famille Director General Nathalie Gareau said the Maison’s activities focus on well-being and development for children.
Volunteering with Operation Red Nose means giving your time, which is worth twice as much, to your community. Each volunteer makes additional rides home possible and, in turn, helps raise more funds for the Operation Red Nose Argenteuil mission. There are several ways to get involved, whether on the road or at the coordination centre. To get involved or for more information, visit operationnezrouge.com or call 450-562-4111.
The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), which is Quebec’s motor vehicle insurance and licensing agency, is one of Operation Red Nose’s partners.
Marouan Belfakir of the SAAQ said they share with Operation Red Nose a common mission of getting people home safely.
The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) is also a significant promoter of Operation Red Nose.
Sergeant Marie-Josee Gervais said police want people to return home from holiday celebrations safely, but unfortunately, that does not always happen. She encouraged anyone who is impaired to make the right decision and call Red Nose for a ride.
Caisse Desjardins d’Argenteuil, the MRC d’Argenteuil, Subaru Lachute, Concept Cam & Léon, and Madden Rentals among the other partners in Operation Red Nose in Argenteuil.
