The general director of the Sept-Îles Regional Hospital Foundation Guy Couture could no longer support the organization of Operation Red Nose alone. The board of directors cancels the escort service for 2024.
The challenge is more difficult each year due to the lack of personnel. The situation is also being experienced in other cities in Quebec, such as Val-d’Or and Baie-Comeau. In Quebec, the number of cities providing the Red Nose escort service has fallen from 61 to 42.
Fewer volunteers
Maintaining the Operation was more complex last year, explains Guy Couture. “Teams of volunteers canceled at the last minute. Some evenings the response time became too long. There are volunteers and full evenings supported by companies, but overall it becomes more difficult to recruit and respond to hundreds of calls. »
The general director of the Sept-Îles Regional Hospital Foundation hopes to relaunch Nez rouge in Sept-Îles next year. In the meantime, Guy Couture invites people in the region to continue to plan a designated driver for a safe return home during office parties and other outings before the holiday season.
Health Foundation
The Foundation has been associated with Nez rouge since 2017. It also canceled its casino evening a few years ago, but other events allow it to maintain its projects in pediatrics and the acquisition of medical equipment. According to Guy Couture, Operation Red Nose is a good cause, but not that profitable for the foundation.
The most important fundraising activity of the Sept-Îles Regional Hospital Foundation remains the annual golf tournament at Club Sainte-Marguerite. Last July’s brought in $81,000. The Lotto-Foundation which will be launched in a few days will be in its 21ste edition. It plans 18 draws over 9 months. The Foundation also collects donations with its meal boxes, Smile Cookies, the Big McDonation and other annual or occasional initiatives.
