SAINT JOHN, N.B. – National road-safety campaign Operation Red Nose will kick off the holiday season by launching the 2008 New Brunswick provincial campaign in Saint John on November 14, 2008.

The launch will take place in the Red Room, located on the 8th floor of City Hall. Special guests include honorary campaign chair Roly MacIntyre, Insurance Bureau of Canada VP Atlantic Bill Adams and Operation Red Nose national program coordinator Chantal Lefebvre.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting the provincial launch here in Saint John,” says Operation Red Nose president and co-ordinator Kate Barnett. “We hope that the awareness generated by this event will result in safer streets in Saint John, Quispamsis, Rothesay and Grand-Bay Westfield.”

Hosted by Fusion Saint John, the organization, staffed entirely by volunteers, provides a safe ride home service to inebriated motorists during the holiday season. It is an original way of getting home safe in one’s own vehicle without taking the wheel...and the service is free. It is hosted in hundreds of communities across Canada, including a handful of New Brunswick communities, including the Acadian Peninsula, Edmundston, Moncton and now Saint John.

“Considering this is our inaugural year, we have been very lucky to secure some fabulous community partners,” says Barnett. “Sandalwood Management has donated space in Place 400 to use as our headquarters for the duration of the campaign, and Indigo has offered to stock it with books and magazines for volunteers during their shifts.”

All donations made by those who use the service will be reinvested into local youth organizations. Fusion Saint John plans to conduct an online poll with its membership to choose the organizations who will receive these funds. The campaign will begin on Friday November 28th, until that time Fusion Saint John is actively recruiting olunteers and businesses wishing to take part in the program. To learn more, please e-mail the Saint John Operation Red Nose team at saintjohn@operationrednose.com or call the Fusion office at (506) 693-6810.
You can also visit the national Operation Red Nose side at http://www.operationnezrouge.com/en/.

About Fusion Saint John

Fusion Saint John is a not-for-profit organization that provides social, business and volunteer opportunities for Saint Johners of all ages. Since its inception in April 2004, Fusion has quickly garnered the support and acclaim of the Greater Saint John region for its efforts to attract and retain people to this city, and enhance quality of life. Fusion organizes widely recognized arts & cultural events, facilitates topical information sessions with local stakeholders, contributes to community development and introduces new comers to the community. Each Fusion activity serves a purpose—to connect Saint Johners with their community.

Media Contact:
Kate Barnett
President & Coordinator
Operation Red Nose Saint John
(506) 631 – 5522
(506) 333-6476