Operation Red Nose
Hall of Fame

Let’s celebrate our
exceptional volunteers

Every year, more than 50,000 Canadians will take part in Operation Red Nose as volunteers. Each of them offers one of more evenings of their time to their community so the holidays can remain a festive season for all. Without their precious collaboration, our safe ride service would not exist.

Aware of the indispensable role our volunteers have played since the very first Operation Red Nose campaign in 1984, we have decided to honour those who have impacted our history by offering them a unique volunteer vest.

The Hall of Fame is our way of thanking those volunteers, past and present, who have distinguished themselves on the national level, to feature their commitment story, and to let them know how much they have played a big part in the history of Operation Red Nose.

2023

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Nicole Coulombe

Contrecoeur

For many years, Nicole has been an active volunteer with Optimist Club of Contrecoeur. She has been involved in the deployment of Operation Red Nose in her community since the Club's first participation in 1990 and has chaired the organizing committee since 2003. Nicole is always smiling, far-sighted, and rallying. She is a team player who makes it her duty to be of service to everyone. She knows how to motivate her troops thanks to her leadership... and her famous desserts!

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Stéphane Gauthier

Longueuil

Stéphane fell into the volunteering world through his three-wheel motorcycle club in Longueuil. He first became aware of Red Nose in 2005, when a friend asked him to volunteer on his team. From driver to dispatcher, Stéphane became a member of the organizing committee in Longueuil - Rive-Sud, in 2017. His boundless generosity, kindness, humour, dedication, ability to share his knowledge, and empathy make him a key player in the success of Operation Red Nose Longueuil Rive-Sud.

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Francine St-Laurent

Lotbinière

For several decades, Francine has been a volunteer with Entraide de Saint-Apollinaire. In 2005, she became a member of the Lions Club, the driving force behind Operation Red Nose Lotbinière, and immediately began volunteering on the road during the holiday season. Her talents as an organizer soon led her to become head of foods and refreshments for volunteers, and then a member of the Board of Directors of Operation Red Nose Lotbinière. Francine has missed very few nights of operation since 2005.

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Gaétane Simoneau

Quebec City

Gaétane is one of the volunteers who power all the cultural events Quebec City is famous for! She generously gives of her time to keep events running smoothly year-round and has done so for decades. It was only natural for Gaétane to join forces with Operation Red Nose Quebec City. In 2003, she had her first experience volunteering on the road, and the following year, became involved with the headquarters, in addition to continuing to provide safe rides. She has overseen the volunteer registration sector since 2006.

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Chris Wilson

Tri-Cities-Burnaby-New Westminster, BC

Chris has been involved with Operation Red Nose since 2007. Since day one, he has been a true force for his organization and his community, encouraging everyone to get involved and contributing to both road safety and KidSport, a cause very close to his heart. Having been a high-level athlete, Chris knows just how sport can have a beneficial and very positive impact on a child’s life.

Chris has been very generous to the program provincially, acting as the BC spokesperson for more than a decade! His spirit, character, and dedication have had a tremendous impact on Operation Red Nose in British Columbia.

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David Allen

Quinte, Ontario

David Allen has been involved with Operation Red Nose in the Quinte region since 2004! He has provided help and support to the program provincially on numerous occasions with his time, kindness, and resources, making a big difference to the health of the program in Ontario. His outstanding community engagement and commitment to Operation Red Nose are commendable.

2022

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Jean Courville

Longueuil-Rive-Sud

Jean literally grabbed Ruddy by the antlers when he became involved in the Operation Red Nose promotion team in 2006. Through the years, he has worked on the organizing committee, taken charge of coordinating headquarters, and has provided general support, in many areas, to Operation Red Nose Longueuil – Rive-Sud! No one can find solutions quite like him, whether for setting up the headquarters or when it comes to developing technological tools. Throughout his 18-year involvement with Operation Red Nose Longueuil – Rive-Sud, Jean has proven to be the perfect volunteer for the organization.

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Johanne Côté

Lotbinière

Johanne’s experience as well as her personality have made her a remarkable force within Operation Red Nose Lotbinière. In 2014, Johanne became a member of the Lions Club in Saint-Apollinaire, and she became Secretary for Operation Red Nose Lotbinière. As soon as she began participating in meetings with the Board of Administrators, Johanne commanded the trust of her new colleagues. They are unanimous about her: Johanne knows how to maintain unity and cooperation between Board members, and she is one of a kind when it comes to ensure operations run smoothly. She is known as much for her smile as for her iron hand in a velvet glove!

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Gilles Boulay

Contrecoeur

Gilles is a Jack of all trades! His relationship with Operation Red Nose began in 1990. Gilles was involved at all levels of the Optimist Club in Contrecoeur, and that gave him a first taste of the experience. During the 2000 campaign, he went all-in, as he officially became a member of the organizing committee. He is THE person that every organization would love to have on their team. With his legendary smile, phenomenal memory, diplomatic skills, and his availability, he continues to get involved and dedicate his energy to reaching goals and finding the perfect solution for every problem.

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Claude Moisan

Joliette-de-Lanaudière

Claude has been contributing to Operation Red Nose Joliette – de-Lanaudière for over 20 years. He is not afraid of taking on new and stimulating responsibilities. With great enthusiasm he has “piloted” tests, launches, and updates of various technological systems over the years. He is well-known for reassuring everyone with his calm demeanor. This solution finder has provided remarkable support to Operation Red Nose Joliette – de-Lanaudière

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Claude Mousseau

Joliette-de-Lanaudière

Claude is an inspiring leader! He has acquired an excellent reputation after having volunteered for over a quarter of a century with not just one, but two Operation Red Nose Joliette – de-Lanaudière host organizations. Claude has distinguished himself with his involvement at various levels, but also with his generous availability. His great experience of the Red Nose service has enabled him to train volunteers at headquarters. His anecdotes and relevant presentations make him the ideal mentor.

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Brahim Benahmed

Acadian Peninsula (New Brunswick)

Brahim has been involved with Operation Red Nose Acadian Peninsula for over 15 years. No matter what position must be filled on the committee, Brahim will rise to meet the challenge! President, Head of IT, Coordinator’s Assistant, Trainer, Dispatcher: nothing seems to scare him! Brahim’s many talents and skills make his contribution essential to the success of his local organization, as well as a fantastic colleague and a fun person to be around. Thanks to his tireless participation, his contagious good mood, his sense of humour, and his leadership, Brahim is an inspiration to the people who work with him at Operation Red Nose Acadian Peninsula.

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Cheryl Morphy

Kamloops

Cheryl Morphy has been involved with Operation Red Nose since 1999. She first got involved to assist her husband’s grandfather who was getting older but kept insisting on volunteering for the program. She and her husband decided to be part of his team one night, and the rest is history. Volunteering for Operation Red Nose has truly become a family affair with their daughter also getting involved. They see it as a way of giving back to their community while honouring their grandfather’s commitment to the cause. As Venue Manager, Cheryl is organized, able to multi-task, resolve any issues, and create a fun environment for the volunteers. Thank you for your great work!

2019

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In Memoriam – David Latouche – Operation Red Nose

Operation Red Nose

David Latouche, Communications Captain, was a star player who always helped his teammates to shine. His reassuring presence and his advice helped everyone surpass themselves. His jokes and his contagious laughter also brought a great deal of warmth everywhere he went. It was a real honor to have had David in the Operation Red Nose family for 10 years.

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Éric Bouthillette

Saint-Hyacinthe

Éric Bouthillette has been a volunteer for 19 years and has been involved in every aspect of this great organization. He is known for legendary calm and implacable logic; he knows how to untangle problems and issues like no one else. May the bright “Red Nose” flame burning in him never go out!

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Garry Geisler

Langley-Surrey (British Columbia)

Ever since 1998, meaning the beginning of Operation Red Nose in Langley-Surrey, Mr. Geisler has been deeply involved. Not only has he been the Coordinator, but he was also a mentor to Operation Red Nose Delta-Richmond and Tri-Cities when they first started. He has always committed with enthusiasm, heart, and dedication!

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Jean-Paul Bilodeau

Lotbinière

Mr. Bilodeau is a model of devoted volunteer for his community. This man knows how to bring people together and how to bring unwavering devotion to his involvement. A proud descendant of a large family, he has every year, since 2009, brought together around 30 members of the Bilodeau family from all over the province for a night offering the safe ride service!

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Michel Gagnon

Saint-Jérôme

Mr. Gagnon took the reins of Operation Red Nose Saint-Jérôme in 2005. He is among those who really do what they say they will, and on whom we can count. This is extremely precious. Michel Gagnon knows to use his calm strength to promote the strong bonds bringing the volunteers of his region together!

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Michel Legault

Nicolet-Bécancour

Michel Legault has been a volunteer with Operation Red Nose Nicolet-Bécancour for 25 years. He is a pioneer, since he first organized Operation Red Nose in his community with some of his friends in 1992. Mr. Legault is a beloved leader who knows how to promote an atmosphere of open camaraderie.

2018

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Jeanne D’Arc Crispin

Mont-Tremblant

Ms. Crispin has been deeply involved with Operation Red Nose for 20 years. First as a partner, then on the volunteer greeting team, and for the last few years, with the mascot committee, she dedicates herself fully in all aspects of her involvement. Ms. Crispin proudly wears her cap sporting 20 pins!

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Linda Royal

Cowansville

Since 2011, Ms. Royal has developed the organization with her thoroughness, efficiency, and good humor. Her achievements are the result of hundreds of hours of preparation, canvassing, and persuasion. No matter how much time she devotes to her tasks as Coordinator, Linda also finds time to join a team on the road!

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Normand Ménard

Vaudreuil-Dorion

Mr. Ménard knows every meaning of the word cooperation! He has made himself available during all of the last 18 campaigns, night after night, fulfilling many different roles to make sure everything always runs smoothly. He is a thorough, hardworking, and completely reliable man!

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Pierrette Rochette

Quebec City

Ms. Rochette joined the great Operation Red Nose family 31 years ago and has become a real pillar for the Quebec City headquarters. She has become known as “Ms. Smiles” and “Ms. Slippers”, sprinkling her legendary good spirit all over what she has come to call her second home!

2017

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Claire Paquet

Quebec City

Ms. Paquet has been a volunteer since 1986 and has always shown great thoroughness and discipline in her responsibilities and tasks. Her expertise, versatility, straight talk, as well as drive have without a doubt contributed to the success of Operation Red Nose Quebec City.

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Gaétan Germain

Acadian Peninsula (New Brunswick)

Mr. Germain is for all intents and purposes the godfather of Operation Red Nose in New Brunswick. He always knows how to bring key actors together, and how to activate the best people to drive a good campaign. Such exceptional qualities make him a great leader, as we have seen in over 20 years!

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Guy Vaillancourt

Sherbrooke

Ever since his very first campaign, Mr. Vaillancourt has participated in almost every night of operation. That represents an average of 25 nights every year, for 25 years! He is generous with his time, as well as with his interactions. It is important for him that everyone has a positive experience with Operation Red Nose!

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Line Gaudreau

Quebec City

Ms. Gaudreau has been a volunteer for 30 years! Her excellent sense of humor and her legendary good mood make her such a pleasant person to be around. Her experience, versatility, and calm approach make her an invaluable asset for Operation Red Nose Quebec City!

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Rick Watt

Quinte (Ontario)

For 13 years now, Mr. Watt has been very involved in Operation Red Nose Quinte. He brings energy and enthusiasm to the whole team. His commitment is beyond question! Like every great leader, he knows to recognize the success of Operation Red Nose as the result of teamwork!

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Sandy Slavin

Lethbridge (Alberta)

Ms. Slavin has been involved in Operation Red Nose Lethbridge for over 20 years! She was one of the pioneers to first launch Operation Red Nose outside the province of the province of Quebec. She also remained on as a local coordinator during 2 full decades, which is extremely rare!

2016

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Kathleen Côté

Bellechasse

Ms. Côté is very involved in Operation Red Nose Bellechasse. We wish to honor her for her wonderful personality, for her 200% commitment from January to December for the last 6 years, and because she is living proof that volunteerism will not disappear with her own generation.

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Monique Guindon

Outaouais

The Outaouais region had no idea a lady of such passion and devotion would appear in their community over 20 years ago. Ms. Guindon is a trustworthy, proud, honest, empathic, and hard worker, with endless generosity. Her face is permanently lit by her ear-to-ear welcoming smile.

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In Memoriam – Réal Fréchette

Sherbrooke

Mr. Fréchette was an exceptional volunteer, in whom the organization of Operation Red Nose Sherbrooke had unshakeable trust. His leadership could draw in numerous other volunteers, and his charisma could be felt all over headquarters. We will always remember the numerous beautiful moments we have had with you!

2015

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Jean Lemieux

Vice President, Operation Red Nose Board of Administrators

Mr. Lemieux is a great hands-on administrator. He has been spotted at the Quebec City headquarters since 1984: he is on-site to chat with other volunteers, to get behind the wheel and offer rides, to “live the experience of his organization”, all because he enjoys it so much!

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Magella Lavoie

Charlevoix Ouest

Mr. Lavoie has been involved for over 20 years! His flexibility makes him very efficient, able to draw the best from all available resources, while keeping a healthy control on the workspace. He is known as a pillar on the team of volunteers!

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Réal Bolduc

Beauce-Etchemins

Mr. Bolduc is a walking encyclopedia of Operation Red Nose Beauce-Etchemins! With knowledge going back 21 years, he has become the reference for the organization. His vividly inexhaustible memory, as well as his indestructible intracranial hard drive make him an essential resource for anyone who wants to know more about the organization.

2014

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Marcel Jobin

Member, Operation Red Nose Board of Administrators

Following a meeting with Jean-Marie De Koninck, Quebec City region businessman Mr. Jobin worked to rally partners to the project, recruited the first volunteers, and designed the logistics of the very first Operation Red Nose campaign in December 1984. Thank you for your contribution to the success of Operation Red Nose!

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Jean-Marie De Koninck

Operation Red Nose Founder Jean-Marie De Koninck was simply everywhere: at headquarters by night, answering the media in the morning, meeting with partners, as well as teaching and coaching at the University during the day. 30 years later, he still brings the same energy to headquarters when he comes in to volunteer. Thank you for everything!

2013

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Daniel Boisclair

Normandin

Mr. Boisclair has been a conscientious, dedicated volunteer with Operation Red Nose Normandin since 1992. He makes certain that everyone can get back home safely with a smile. His motivation to keep going is simply that he takes great pleasure in his role as a volunteer!

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Robert Gagnon

Rimouski

Mr. Gagnon, a big-hearted police officer, has been a volunteer for 29 years! He combines his sense of humour with his dedication to security at Operation Red Nose. He always has funny anecdotes to talk about. His dedication, promotion of teamwork, and support are very much appreciated!

2011

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Jean-Pierre Gaudet

Îles-de-la-Madeleine

For as long as anyone can remember, Mr. Gaudet has always been the head of Operation Red Nose Îles-de-la-Madeleine. This Madelinot is well-known in his community for his outstanding commitment, versatility, and kindness. The safe ride service is strong in his area due to his committed work!

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Nicole Pépin

Trois-Rivières

Ms. Pépin has been a volunteer for 25 years now! Her leadership, resourcefulness, swiftness, and capacity to juggle several issues at once, as well as her outstanding sense of direction make her the head of dispatch that every coordinator wants by their side. Thank you, Ms. Pépin, for your invaluable contribution!

2010

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Jean-Marc Berger

St-Hyacinthe

Mr. Berger has been a volunteer for over 25 years. From the very beginning, he became involved with every level of the Operation Red Nose organization. He took charge of various tasks, including presiding the committee. His energy is contagious.

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Pierre Bélanger

Granby

Mr. Bélanger has been a volunteer since the very beginning of Operation Red Nose Granby 11 years ago, and he has been involved in his community for over 27 years. He takes his annual vacation every December to coordinate the Operation Red Nose service.

2009

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Blaise Lessard

La Malbaie

Mr. Lessard has been involved with Operation Red Nose for more than 8 years as a member of the organizing committee. He has always brought great thoroughness, discipline, and meticulousness to his work. His unshakeable commitment through the years amounts to an exceptional contribution that bears mention.

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Claude Chevalier

Châteauguay

A career Ambulance Attendant, Mr. Chevalier has been a completely dedicated volunteer to the cause for over 20 years. He has held several positions in the organizing committee. Even while working as its President during many years, he was as enthusiastic as when he first started.

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Gérard Proulx

Saint-Rémi-La Prairie

Mr. Proulx, a man of heart and of action, has been a volunteer for 12 years. He has served as Director, Coordinator, and President. He enjoys the buzz of activity and likes when things run smoothly. As a volunteer, Mr. Proulx spends much of his time in causes that are close to his heart.