THUNDER BAY - Everything from reindeer, elves, gifts, and even an abominable snowman were out enjoying a balmy and foggy December morning to help raise awareness for the Salvation Army and its mission to help those most in need.
On Saturday, the Salvation Army hosted its annual Santa Shuffle, which saw more than 250 walkers and runners take to the trails around Boulevard Lake.
Santa Shuffle events have been held in cities across Canada for the last 27 years and are meant to raise awareness and money for the Salvation Army during the holiday season.
“Our Target is set at about $7,500, but this is more of an awareness raising campaign as opposed to fundraising, but people do get sponsors,” said Major Lori Mitchell, executive director of Salvation Army community and residential services. “People were handing in money even this morning.”
This year there were 268 people registered for either the 1K walk and the 5K run, which Mitchell said is the highest number of participants they have ever seen.
“The highest we’ve had is 220, so this is quite a bit higher than normal, so this is awesome,” she said.
Mitchell added the Santa Shuffle is a unique event because it provides runners and walkers an opportunity to get out in the winter, and dress up and have a little fun, too.
“I think everybody just has a lot of fun with it,” she said. “It’s a family event. People bring their pets and their children and any age can participate because we have the 5k walk and the 1k walk. It’s something that’s all-inclusive.”
Todd Little and his family have been participating in the Santa Shuffle for years and he said it is one of his favourite events of the year.
“This one is special to us because it’s for the Salvation Army, it’s the time of the year, we really enjoy it,” he said. “It’s for a good cause.”
“This year here, it seems like there are more people compared to other years,” Little continued. “More and more people are getting in costumes. It’s a family event.”
This year Little came dressed as the Grinch, while in past years the family came as Santa Claus and ginger bread characters.
“We like to mix it up a little bit,” he said.
And while everyone was dressing up, having fun, and enjoying the unseasonably warm weather, the purpose of the event was not lost on anyone, which is helping an organization that helps so many others.
“The Salvation Army operates all year round, but in the winter people are a little more vulnerable,” Mitchell said. “People who are street involved need more shelter, they need more care and at Christmas time people always seem to be more aware of the needs of the other people. We have so much and we realize there are a lot of people who don’t have as much as we do and it’s a really good opportunity to give back.”
