10,000 Runners Raise Funds to Support Salvation Army Programs. On Saturday December 5th, close to 10,000 runners braved the cold and participated in The Salvation Army’s Santa Shuffle to raise funds to support important Salvation Army programs.

While donations are still coming in, The Salvation Army is hopeful that it will exceed the $450,000 mark.

In Edmonton, AB, runners were unable to participate in this year’s event due to the city’s largest snowfall since 2003. On Friday December 4th, Edmonton received 16 cm of snow, forcing the run to be postponed. Salvation Army officials are currently working with the city to see if their Santa Shuffle can be rescheduled.

Also announced at the various Santa Shuffles was the launch of a new text message giving program, offering donors a cash-free way to contribute to this year’s Christmas Campaign. For the first-time ever, Canadians can contribute a $5.00 donation to The Salvation Army by texting the word HOPE to 45678 from any Rogers Wireless or Bell Mobility phone. The proceeds of each text donation will support The Salvation Army’s year-round work to serve more than 1.5 million people with critical living needs.

“As the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada, we are thrilled to introduce text message donations as a way to give back,” said Graham Moore, Territorial Secretary for Public Relations and Development for The Salvation Army in Canada. “The mobile giving program was launched at our annual Santa Shuffle, in 35 cities across Canada.”

In addition to the Santa Shuffle and the text message donation program, contributions to the 2009 Christmas Campaign can be made at your local kettle, online at www.SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) or via mail to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1P4.