Santa Shuffle Recap

While Santa Shuffle numbers are still coming in from across the country, results to date show that 9,300 Canadians raised approximately $425,000 for The Salvation Army’s critical and ongoing services.

On Saturday, December 3, in 39 cities across the country, Canadians ran or walked 5k or 1k in The Salvation Army’s 21st Santa Shuffle. The fun, interactive, family-friendly event is a great way for individuals to get involved and raise funds that help those less fortunate attain the dignity that each and every person deserves.

The number of Canadians living in poverty remains unacceptably high and continues to grow. “We cannot run from the fact that we need to reach out to these people in our midst,” says Commissioner Brian Peddle, The Salvation Army’s National Leader.

In Ottawa the Santa Shuffle saw a record-breaking year with 830 runners participating in the race, which raised more than $30,000. His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada and his family, including his wife Sharon along with their grandchildren joined the annual event.

“The Santa Shuffle is a great opportunity to talk to others about the work of The Salvation Army,” says Bob McLeod, a 30-year veteran on Calgary’s Police Force, who entered a team in the event. “Through my work as a police officer I constantly see people who require the assistance of The Salvation Army. The Shuffle provides a place for people to come together and participate in a fun way that helps those in need.”

In some cases, those once assisted by The Salvation Army participated as a way of giving back. Says one runner: “It was good to know I wasn’t alone in the tough times.”

Each year, The Salvation Army serves more than 1.7 million people in more than 400 communities across the country.
At Christmas and throughout the year, The Salvation Army is devoted to restoring dignity to Canada’s most vulnerable.