Sixteen thousand people in 41 cities across Canada participated in The Salvation Army's annual Santa Shuffle in December, raising funds to help Canadians in poverty at Christmas and throughout the year. Participants in the Santa Shuffle's five-kilometre Fun Run and one-kilometre Elf Walk collect pledges from friends and family in the lead-up to the event.

“Approximately $500,000 was raised that will help The Salvation Army fight poverty and restore dignity nationwide,” says Erin McGrath, national race director. The race, now in its 24th year, is held in partnership with Running Room Ltd.

Participants, many of whom were dressed in festive gear, braved freezing temperatures and inclement weather to make a difference in their local communities. Everyone who completed the course received an eye-catching Santa Shuffle medal.

“It was a lot of fun, even though some of us are less athletic,” joked one shuffler. “It was a great opportunity for our family to come together and do something beneficial,” said another.

“Thank you to everyone who ran, walked or volunteered,” says McGrath. “Your contribution will help change a life and give hope to those who need it most.”

Brayden, Timothy, Jordyn, Kaelyn and Kolten Kerr of Meadowlands Corps in Ancaster, Ont., were the top family pledge earners for The Salvation Army's 2014 Santa Shuffle in Hamilton/Burlington. The Kerr family raised $1,200 towards the 2014 Kettle Campaign in the fight against poverty this Christmas