The Shamrock Shuffle is a colourful Saturday morning community party. Started three years ago as a fun March activity that would also give back to the community, it has raised $27,000 for the Inn Out of the Cold winter shelter in St. Thomas. The third annual Shamrock Shuffle takes place on Saturday March 15th and organizers are hoping for continued support from the community as the need after such a long cold winter is greater than ever. |

The event offers a 10k and 5k run as well as a 5k and 2k walk so people of all ages and stages can participate. Though it wasn’t a requirement, some people showed up the first year with St. Paddy’s Day accessories and that has become a tradition for many, adding to the fun and photo ops. Post race, there are refreshments, awards and prizes.
Says Kathi Joliffe, one of the co-founders, “We want to encourage families to get outside and get active together with the added bonus of helping out a good cause.” .
Says Kathi Joliffe, one of the co-founders, “We want to encourage families to get outside and get active together with the added bonus of helping out a good cause.” .

As winter-hate has built to epic proportions over the past months, even snow lovers have begun to complain. However, most of us have, at day’s end, a warm bed, a hot dinner and a place to get in out of the cold. But for some, a bed and warm place at the end of the day isn’t a sure thing – it’s something for which they depend upon an organization like Inn Out of the Cold and a caring community.
For participants, the Shamrock Shuffle is the perfect antidote to the winter blues – you can turn them shamrock green and help support an important cause.
For participants, the Shamrock Shuffle is the perfect antidote to the winter blues – you can turn them shamrock green and help support an important cause.
To learn more about the Shamrock Shuffle event or to register visit www.theshamrockshuffle.ca. Sponsorships are also welcome – they help to keep entry fees low, making the event more accessible to community members. The Shuffle starts at 8am at Central United Church, 135 Wellington Street, St. Thomas. Registration is $20 per person, $40 per family (2 adults and 2 children). Run start time is 9am, walk start time is 9:05am. Find out more about Inn Out of the Cold at www.innoutofthecoldstthomaselgin.com .