startOver 60 festive runners and walkers participated in Fitness Corner’s 13th annual Reindeer Romp December 24, raising over $1,000 for the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Bruce Shoreline Community Mental Health Team.

Hub Staff

While they weren’t exactly “dashing through the snow” December 24, the 60 plus participants of Fitness Corner’s 13th annual Reindeer Romp did raise over $1,000 for Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) Bruce Shoreline Community Mental Health Team.

The athletes, many of whom were dressed in festive attire, could participate in either a 2k, 5k or 10k run or walk around Port Elgin with their entry fees going toward the fundraising total.

Before the run got underway Claude Anderson of the Grey Bruce Brach of CMHA thanked participants and Fitness Corner for the yearly donation supporting mental health initiatives close to home. Anderson told the merry group that their donation will go towards a new OTM machine for CMHA’s Southampton office, which Anderson described as a “telemedicine machine” used to communicate with specialists around the province who can give expert psychiatric care.

Following Anderson’s speech Fitness Corner owner Holly Vanderzwet got the crowd moving with a spirited warmup ahead of their romp about town.

groupFrom festive Santas to limbered elves, there were plenty of Christmas inspired costumes at the 13th annual Reindeer Romp December 24.

hollyFitness Corner owner Holly Vanderzwet got the blood flowing with a warmup on the chilly Christmas Eve morning.

ellenFriends Ellen (left), Kourtney, Justine, Paul and Hayley in their festive get-ups ahead of the Reindeer Romp December 24.

fisherFisher (left) and Austyn were ready to guide the runners with their Rudolph inspired noses.

kateMark, Kate and Gretzky St. Cyr had proper footwear for the 13th annual Reindeer Romp, December 24.

claudeClaude Anderson, Executive Director for the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Grey Bruce Branch joined romp organizer Geordie Farrell and Fitness Corner owner Holly Vanderzwet for some opening words before the run.

dogsSome furry friends joined their owners for the morning exercise December 24.