SUDBURY -- This holiday season, Sudburians will have to find an alternate safe ride home, as a longstanding campaign cancels this year's program.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, organizers of Safe Ride Home Sudbury have made the difficult decision to suspend the service in 2020 to protect the safety of clients and volunteers.

Over the last 21 years, the campaign has made sure thousands of residents and their vehicles make it safely home to prevent impaired driving.

"Plan for a designated driver, call someone you know or take public transportation. Whatever it takes, don't drive impaired," said Safe Ride Home Sudbury in a news release Wednesday.

As gathering restrictions continue, holiday celebrations may look different.

"Although the COVID-19 pandemic has changed service-delivery for Safe Ride Home Sudbury, they continue to support our efforts through education and awareness. Road Safety is a shared commitment and crime prevention starts with you making the responsible choice to plan ahead," said Paul Pedersen, chief of Greater Sudbury Police Service. "The choice to save lives is yours."