The most important one, of course, is that it raises funds for the local homeless shelter in St. Thomas, “Inn Out of the Cold”. In its fourth year, the event has raised close to $40,000. This winter’s extreme cold has impacted the demand for the Inn’s services – the shelter has been providing a hot meal for upwards of fifty people a night along with a safe place to stay, a shower and breakfast for those who in need.
Just as the cold has led to greater demand on the Inn, it may also be deterring registrations for the Shamrock Shuffle – they are down significantly from last year. But the reasons to don your woollies, and join the Shuffle far outweigh the COLD factor.
Just as the cold has led to greater demand on the Inn, it may also be deterring registrations for the Shamrock Shuffle – they are down significantly from last year. But the reasons to don your woollies, and join the Shuffle far outweigh the COLD factor.
It’s fun. The Shuffle starts with a lively gathering in the basement of Central United, where a sea of runners and walkers is dotted with green as many don St. Paddy’s day colours (though that is not at all mandatory). There are fabulous post-race refreshments, goody bags for pre-registrants and fitness, friendship and fun for all.
It's for everyone. Participants can opt to take part in a 10k or 5k run or a 5k or 2k walk so people of all ages and stages can join in – and they do – from running friends to families with small children.
It’s well organized. The event's three co-directors, Kathi Joliffe, Doreen Jensen and Noel McKay have worked on refining and making the event more fun each year and they are assisted by a bevy of enthusiastic volunteers.
Participation requires a very minimal time commitment. While the time will vary for each person, a 2 km walk or 5 km run would typically take about 30 to 40 minutes. A 5 km walk would take about an hour. More experienced walkers and runners could take less time.
It's for everyone. Participants can opt to take part in a 10k or 5k run or a 5k or 2k walk so people of all ages and stages can join in – and they do – from running friends to families with small children.
It’s well organized. The event's three co-directors, Kathi Joliffe, Doreen Jensen and Noel McKay have worked on refining and making the event more fun each year and they are assisted by a bevy of enthusiastic volunteers.
Participation requires a very minimal time commitment. While the time will vary for each person, a 2 km walk or 5 km run would typically take about 30 to 40 minutes. A 5 km walk would take about an hour. More experienced walkers and runners could take less time.
It's a great way to get into a festive mood for more St. Paddy's Day celebrations later in the day. And you can have the satisfaction of helping to ensure that the "walls for the winds" and "roof for the rain" of this Irish Blessing are a reality for all in our community. | May you always have |
The Shamrock Shuffle takes place at Central United Church, 135 Wellington St, St. Thomas. Doors open at 8am, registration is open till 8:30am; start time is 9am. Pre-registration is available on-line, or Thur Mar12th at Central United Church 5:30-7pm – $20/individual; $40/family (up to 2 adults& 2 children living at the same address). To learn more about the event or to register visit www.theshamrockshuffle.ca. Questions? Contact the organizers at TheShamrockShuffle@gmail.com. (They are still looking for sponsors to help alleviate the costs of running the event. Sponsorships allow them to keep entry fees low, making the event more accessible to community members.)