The Salvation Army of Thunder Bay
Santa Shuffle
Jerry Lynn Durant running with her children, Ashlyn and Mikayla Durant, in their Santa Shuffle shirts at the Current River Community Centre. The 2013 Shuffle is Dec. 7.
The Santa Shuffle in Thunder Bay might sound like a new holiday dance craze, but it’s really a way for families to have fun, get outdoors and help raise money for a good cause.
This is the eighth year for the local Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk, one of many Santa Shuffles across Canada on Saturday, December 7, to benefit the Salvation Army.
“There’s not a lot of pressure, and everyone gets a Santa Shuffle participant’s medal,” says Gail Kromm with the Salvation Army in Thunder Bay.
“Some dress up like Santa or like elves,” she adds. Prizes are awarded for the best costumes.
The Santa Shuffle is 5 kilometres, but the Elf walk/run, at 1 kilometre, is for toddlers and kids up to age 5.
“We hope to raise between $5,000 and $10,000” to help fund services provided by the Salvation Army, Gail says. Last year, the event raised $8,900, with 150 to 200 participants.
You can register, make a donation or sponsor an athlete online through the Running Room, a company that sells running shoes and apparel.
There is another incentive for reaching the finish line: Santa will be there to greet the runners and walkers.
Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk, 10 a.m. at the Current River Community Centre, 450 Dewe Ave., Thunder Bay. 807- 345-6492. www.santashuffle.ca