Amidst next weekend’s holiday hustle and bustle, the Salvation Army and the Running Room in Nanaimo will hold their fundraising Santa Shuffle.
The five-kilometre charitable run-walk event begins 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Running Room’s Country Club Centre location, 120D-3200 Island Hwy. Registrants pay an entry fee, collect pledges and are encouraged to dress in holiday-themed costumes, said Yvonne Borrows, Nanaimo race director.
Being someone who has taken part in Santa Shuffles across the country, Borrows has seen creative cosplay.
“The coolest ones are the ones where the team will dress up as elves and they’re pulling a sleigh together, which is really fun … the last three years have been virtual, everybody’s done their own thing, so this is our first year back at an in-person event, so we’re pretty excited about it,” said Borrows.
Proceeds will go to a pair of Salvation Army children-based programs, a cooking program for children and a playgroup for mothers and toddlers. Given limitations put on by COVID-19 in recent years, it’s good to have live events like the Santa Shuffle again, Borrows said.
“It’s the fun of getting together and doing something together as a family, or as a group, as a work group,” she said. “There’s a lot of camaraderie out on the course. A lot of giggling and laughing, especially for people who haven’t run in a while.”
Registration will cost $25 or children under 12, $40 for individuals, $190 for families and $300 for a group (maximum of 10).
There were 117 people registered at last count and Borrows said everyone will have their own fundraising goals.
“I set my goal for $200 and I’ve already passed it,” she said.
For more information or to donate, visit www.santashuffle.ca/nanaimo/.
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karl.yu@nanaimobulletin.com
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