Calgary Keeps the Spirit of Generosity Alive
By Simran Rambhia
The Santa Shuffle may take place on one festive morning, but in Calgary, its impact lasts all year. It can be found in a family’s food hamper, a child’s new backpack, a summer camp experience, or a Christmas gift waiting under the tree. Behind every fundraiser is a simple choice to help and a family who feels that kindness.
“I have participated in The Santa Shuffle almost every year since it started in Calgary. I do it because I know the need is great, and The Salvation Army does such a good job of helping others.” — Bob
For Bob, The Santa Shuffle is more than a community event. It is a way to respond to a need he knows is great. Through funds raised in Calgary, The Salvation Army Community Services and Berkshire Citadel support families with practical help throughout the year.
In Calgary, Santa Shuffle funds support programs through The Salvation Army Community Services and Berkshire Citadel, helping provide practical assistance to individuals and families when they need it most.
At Community Services, support reaches children and young people in ways that can shape their experiences throughout the year. Funds help provide Christmas gifts, backpacks for children returning to school, and opportunities for young people to attend Salvation Army camps.
At Berkshire Citadel, approximately 25 families receive assistance every Wednesday. Santa Shuffle funds help add fresh food to the dry and canned goods distributed to families, helping put more nutritious food on their tables.
But sometimes, helping a family means recognizing a need that cannot be solved with a food hamper alone.
One family first came to Berkshire Citadel through the food bank after both parents lost their jobs. Their children needed support, and the community stepped in. The family received food assistance; the children were given the opportunity to attend camp and, when one of the boys desperately needed glasses, support was provided to help him get a pair.
For another family, the holidays arrived at a difficult time. A mother was preparing for surgery just before Christmas and did not have the money to buy presents for her children. The Salvation Army delivered gifts to the family, bringing some joy to a season filled with uncertainty.
At Berkshire Citadel, 65 people came together for a Christmas dinner where children received gifts. Some families shared that without support, they might not have had Christmas at all.
And the spirit of giving is not limited to those receiving support.
At last year’s Santa Shuffle, a young hockey team volunteered to help set up tents. It was cold, but the young players worked hard and were grateful for the opportunity to contribute. Their involvement became another reminder that giving can take many forms. Sometimes it is a donation, sometimes it is a fundraiser, and sometimes it is simply showing up and lending a hand.
Race becomes a meal.
A fundraiser becomes fresh food.
A backpack becomes a confident start to the school year.
A camp experience becomes a childhood memory.
A gift becomes a Christmas a family thought they might not have.
Your steps can become someone else’s brighter day. Join the Santa Shuffle and help keep generosity moving through Calgary all year long.
