This year, 2024, marks the 20th anniversary of the annual Reindeer Romp in Saugeen Shores.
The fun event, that began in Port Elgin with only three people and that has moved to the Fitness Corner in Southampton, is held in support of mental health initiatives at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey Bruce.
At 9:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve morning (Dec. 24), participants gathered at Fitness Corner to walk, jog, cycle, snowshoe or ski the 2.5k or 5k routes along the streets of Southampton. Most were dressed in whimsical, festive and funny garb.
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Organized by Geordie Farrell (co-founder of Saugeen Track & Field Club) and Holly Vanderzwet (owner of Fitness Corner), December 24th’s event has raised almost $3,000 with donations continuing to come in on-line at www.reindeerromp.ca.
For the past 12 years, the event has donated to the Bruce Shoreline branch of mental health located in Southampton.
“Christmas is particularly difficult for people who are suffering from mental health issues,” said Farrell. “Our donation through Bruce Shoreline of CMHA from the Reindeer Romp makes a huge difference to mental health in our area.”
She also explained that the executive of the now defunct Saugeen Shores Cycling Club agreed to donate the $1,000 left over in its bank account to the Rainbow Romp. Farrell also added that donations can be made any time of the year at www.raindeerrompca.
Jackie Ralph of CMHA Grey Bruce said that, according to statistics, the mental health of Canadians has declined 300 per cent since the start of the pandemic and the needs for staff and services has increased. “Unfortunately, mental health government funding is at six per
cent of the overall health budget when it should be at least 15 per cent,” Ralph pointed out. “Therefore, we depend on community events such as the Reindeer Romp to raise funds.”
She also explained that in Grey Bruce suicide is the number one cause of death for males age 25 to 44. “Each one of us can make a difference for someone we know just by starting a conversation.”
