A popular designated driving service in Chatham-Kent will keep rolling after all.
Home James, a free program that drives impaired patrons home during the Christmas holidays, was in trouble about a month ago because it was having difficulty attracting volunteers. Program coordinator Jodie Hogg said she believes the service has found enough volunteers and a volunteer sign-up will be held at the Masonic Lodge on October 16 from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. for those interested in driving impaired people home in their own vehicles.
Hogg said she thinks there will be more volunteers this year but has to wait and see if they follow through on their commitment.
"Hopefully we're going to have more. We've gotten a lot of new volunteers this year so that's always great," Hogg said.
Hogg said the community feedback has been very positive but admits it's getting tougher to attract volunteers.
"A lot of people don't want to see it go because it is such a good program and I agree, I don't want it to go either but all volunteer places are needing volunteers and it's always hard to get volunteers," Hogue added.
Hogg said demand for the program grows every year and expects demand will be higher this year.
"The rides keep going up every year. The more we do it, the more rides we give," said Hogue.
Hogg said last year was one of the busiest since the program started in 2012 with a total of 674 rides getting 2,713 people home safe.
This year service runs on Fridays and Saturdays from November 22 up until the end of New Year's Eve.
