Alberta’s Coldest Santa Shuffle Still Raises Over $75,000

The extremely cold temperatures, along with frozen eyebrows, eyelashes, and moustaches, didn’t keep any die-hard Shufflers away from the 23rd annual 5k Santa Shuffle on December 7, 2013. For many, it was a personal victory having run the coldest race ever, and as Edmonton Emcee Mark Sholz put it, “I’ve just had confirmation from Bud, who’s ran in all 23 races in Edmonton, that this is the coldest race he remembers, so pat yourselves on the back for being the hardiest runners in the country!” Edmonton’s Santa Shuffle is usually one of the coldest and snowiest, so it was nice to spread that around the Territory a bit this year!

Of our four participating cities – Lethbridge with 95 runners at Nicholas Sheran Park (-35°C), Calgary with 600 runners at Eau Claire Market (-29°C), and Edmonton with 300 runners at Hawrelak Park (-31°C), Red Deer won the ‘coldest race day’ with a staggering -36°C with -43°C wind chill – with the 40 bravest runners in the Division! And with 1,035 of the 1,963 people originally registered running (many in Santa Suits and quirky Christmas costumes), we still managed to raise $76,284.07! That’s amazing dedication considering how cold it was.

Calgary Shuffler Sarah told us why she was running, “I ran in this race last year, and it was super fun! Also, when you experience weather like this, you can see how important it is to have organizations like The Salvation Army helping those less fortunate stay warm.”

The races would not have been possible without the help of our hardy volunteers, supporters, runners, sponsors, and pledgers! The Christmas season is a wonderful time of year, and thanks to you, we’ll be able to spread that cheer a little wider this year.

This 5k Fun Run and 1k Elf Walk raises funds to fight poverty year-round “one step at a time” in the communities the money is raised in. Providing programs and services across the Division, The Salvation Army strives to provide hope and dignity to anyone struggling with poverty.

If you, or someone you know, is in need of assistance, please visit our Christmas Services page for more information and the contacts in your area: www.SalvationArmy.ca/pranorth/christmas