Shuffling around the Maritimes: Santa Shuffle a success around the region
One site that saw tremendous growth was Moncton, NB. Over 500 participants came out this year, a new record for the event in that city, marking an increase of 150 over last year. The records kept breaking with respect to fundraising as well. Hazel Furlong won the top fundraiser award for a second year in a row (netting her two tickets anywhere WestJet flies) and Mona Murdock placed second to collect a Via Rail ticket package. The Salvation Army’s Lakeview Manor won the team prize for the fifth consecutive year, collecting a whopping $4,182.50. All told, the event raised over $20,000, the highest total yet in the event’s history in Moncton.
In Fredericton, 230 runners braved snowy conditions to hit the trails of New Brunswick’s capital. Another location that has experienced great growth, the Fredericton race had a scant 69 people two years ago, and was nearing 200 last year. Some early season snow forced a change of the route in the final days leading up to the event, but the run went ahead without any issues. Adding to the atmosphere, a group from Van Houett coffee donated their time and all the coffee, tea and hot chocolate the participants could drink. The event raised about $7,000.At the region’s largest race, in Halifax, over 700 men, women and children shuffled along the trails of Shubie Park in Dartmouth. The highest individual fundraiser was Gordon Tanner, and the team competition was won by Sally’s Shufflers.
The final two Santa Shuffles in the Maritimes took place in Charlottetown, where 122 people took part, and Saint John, NB.
Nationally, the Santa Shuffle featured 16,000 runners in 41 locations, raising approximately $500,000 to support the work of The Salvation Army in the fight against poverty.
Thank you to all of the runners and donors who pledged funds to help make this event a wonderful success.