Toronto Santa Shuffle Supports The Gateway Shelter

Get ready to walk or run for the 2021 Santa Shuffle!

The Santa Shuffle Salvation Army fundraiser takes place Dec. 4-5 in communities across Canada. Register now at www.santashuffle.ca.

In downtown Toronto, walkers and runners can assist The Salvation Army’s The Gateway Shelter by ensuring important drop-in services continue for the community’s most vulnerable. The Gateway Shelter Santa Shuffle organizer and Community Relations Specialist Judy Righton says event funds are used all year round to ensure support is there for those who need it.

“Most of our community members who rely on the drop-in program are on very fixed incomes. After they pay their rent, many do not have enough for food, let alone social activities,” Judy says.

“Our drop-in offers them a place of safe connection and also gives them access to other resources, like medical attention.”

In 2020, The Gateway Shelter Santa Shuffle had its best year ever. Judy says the event goal is to bring in $80,000 this year. With the drop-in component currently closed because of COVID-19, essential meals are being served to help those in need. Ray Louison would regularly take part in The Gateway’s drop-in mealtime to visit with friends and staff.

“Without The Gateway I don’t know where I would be sometimes. It’s about being together with other people. It means a lot to me, and people are always there to encourage you,” Ray says. He says the best day to stop by The Gateway is on Wednesdays when chicken and rice is served, which is his favourite meal.

“Its more than a meal. It’s the camaraderie and the encouragement I get from other people. When I come here, I can talk to people, and I really enjoy that,” Ray says.

Register online for the 2021 Santa Shuffle in support of The Salvation Army The Gateway Shelter at www.santashuffle.ca and select Toronto. Participants are encouraged to dress up in their favourite Christmas themed costume and everyone that takes part receives a souvenir medal.