Shuffling for a Cause
The Salvation Army’s annual Santa Shuffle brings out the holiday spirit of giving in Canadians across the country.
The Santa Shuffle started as a single race in Edmonton in 1990 when local Running Room members used their passion to raise funds to support The Salvation Army and those in need in their community. Every year the race gained momentum, and, in 2001, the Shuffle became a national Salvation Army event.
“My first Santa Shuffle with my family was an exciting, fun and rewarding experience”
Lacing Up
On the first Saturday of December, participants of all ages and skill levels lace up their shoes for the 5K Fun Run and 1K Elf Walk. People of all ages and skill-sets come dressed in creative festive attire for a day of fun to help support struggling individuals and families and their community. The energy of the event is contagious.
“My first Santa Shuffle with my family was an exciting, fun and rewarding experience,” says Kelly. “It was great to see hundreds of people coming together in the spirit of Christmas to help those in need.”
Participants, many of whom dress in their funkiest Christmas gear, often brave freezing temperatures and inclement weather to make a difference in their local communities. Shufflers collect pledges from friends and family, and everyone who completes the race receives an eye-catching medal to celebrate their accomplishment.
“It was a great opportunity for our family to come together and do something beneficial”
“It is a lot of fun, even though some of us are less athletic,” jokes one shuffler. “It was a great opportunity for our family to come together and do something beneficial,” says another.
Dignity and Hope
“The Santa Shuffle helps us to give people the tools needed to rebuild dignity and renew hope,” says Lt-Colonel John Murray, The Salvation Army’s secretary for communications in Canada and Bermuda. “This may mean providing shelter for someone escaping an unhealthy relationship, giving food and clothing to a survivor of a natural disaster, offering settlement services for a newcomer or helping a long-time addict with recovery.”
In 2019, in 39 cities across Canada, and in partnership with Running Room Ltd., 14,190 shufflers raised more than $618,000. To participate in the 2020 Virtual Santa Shuffle, register online at SantaShuffle.ca.
