(Above) The Broadbent family from Montreal won first place in the best-dressed contest for the 2020 Santa Shuffle

Celebrating 30 years, the Santa Shuffle was held online for the first time ever across 35 cities in December because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In partnership with the Running Room, thousands of participants across Canada ran a five-kilometre or walked a one-kilometre race from December 5-12. Opening and closing ceremonies were held on The Salvation Army in Canada’s Facebook page.

When participants registered, they received a customizable event bib where they could write why they joined the Santa Shuffle. Also included with registration was a shirt and medal with the slogan “Coming together virtually to shuffle because everyone needs an army” to recognize the impact of the pandemic.

The event featured top runners’ contests as well as best-dressed contests with group, individual and pet categories. All proceeds from the event will be used to fund Salvation Army programs across the territory.

“Although aspects of our event changed, our commitment to helping our vulnerable neighbours at Christmas and beyond remains as strong as ever,” says June Li, national race director.