Shufflers Bring Dignity to Vulnerable Families

By: June Li

Bright and early, children, adults, seniors and even dogs gathered at Sunnybrook Park for Santa Shuffle, an annual 5K Fun Run and 1K Elf Walk that raises funds to ease the burden of vulnerable families living in poverty. Pledges raised for the Toronto Santa Shuffle will stay local and help support The Gateway Shelter. Located in Downtown Toronto, The Gateway is a 120-bed shelter for men experiencing homelessness that provides basic needs of food, shelter and other supports such as addictions counselling and spiritual care.

From Elf ears to Reindeer onesies, runners and shufflers dressed for the occasion in festive gear, braving cold temperatures for their run. Participants were able to enjoy hot chocolate provided by The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services team, face painting and even a photo booth to commemorate the event. As the first runners began to cross the finish line, they were awarded with a special Santa Shuffle medal!

In partnership with the Running Room Ltd., The Salvation Army’s Toronto Santa Shuffle is designed to raise funds to give hope and help vulnerable people live with dignity. “The money we raise through the event each year allows us to provide safety and warmth to those who need it and play a role in preventing homelessness in Toronto,” says Jake Aikenhead, the Director of The Gateway. As homelessness becomes a growing issue in the city of Toronto, events such as Santa Shuffle are helping break the barriers of poverty. This year’s Santa Shuffle raised a record breaking amount of over $80,000! A special thanks to the Cameron Stephens group who was our top fundraising team, raising over $20,000.

For more photos please visit our Facebook page here. If you would like to participate in next year’s Santa Shuffle or learn more about this great event please visit their website here.