Stanley Park will be a sea of red and green next month when hundreds of people dressed as Santa and his elves show up to shuffle for charity.
Registrations are now open for the Salvation Army鈥檚 29th annual Fun Run and Elf Walk taking place across 37 cities in Canada on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Vancouver鈥檚 race starts and finishes at Lumberman鈥檚 Arch in Stanley Park, giving participants a chance to take in the beautiful views as they run, jog or walk along the Stanley Park Drive route. The event features a five-kilometre fun run and a one-kilometre walk.
Afterwards, race-goers are invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch, music, and prizes.
The holiday-themed fun run raises much-needed funds for the Salvation Army鈥檚 programs and services.
Angela Rafuse, national race director, encouraged people to get involved, saying it 鈥渋sn鈥檛 your typical race.鈥�
鈥淧eople of all ages and skill-sets come dressed in creative festive attire for a day of fun to help support struggling individuals and families and their community,鈥� she said.
鈥淭he energy of the event is contagious. Everyone is so happy to take part and support The Salvation Army.鈥�
Kelly Bozdog, who participated for the first time last year, said the event is a rewarding experience.
鈥淚t was great to see hundreds of people coming together in the spirit of Christmas to help those in need,鈥� she said.
Over the past 10 years, and in partnership with Running Room Ltd., the Santa Shuffle has raised more than $5.8 million dollars for the Salvation Army.
All proceeds from Vancouver鈥檚 event go towards supporting the Salvation Army鈥檚 Harbour Light Centre on the Downtown Eastside. The service has been helping people struggling with addiction and those experiencing homelessness for the past 65 years. The charity offers community meals, 24-hour and overnight shelters, withdrawal management, residential addiction treatment, a correctional halfway house, low-income housing and much more.
Other events are taking place in B.C. in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Kelowna, Nanaimo and Victoria. To participate in your local Santa Shuffle, .
Registration closes Dec. 4.
When:Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Check in 8:30 a.m.)
Where: Lumberman鈥檚 Arch, Stanley Park
Cost: $30 for adults, $20 for youth (12 and under) 鈥� .
Read the original article here.
