Even though the 16th annual Reindeer Romp FUNdraiser had to move to virtual this year on December 24th, it was a success raising more than $1,300 with a final total still to come.
Since inception in 2004, the Romp has donated all funds raised through entry fees to various charities, until 2013, when it was decided that all funds raised going forward would be donated to the Grey Bruce Mental Health Association (CMHA). Over the years, more than $10,000 has been raised for local mental health initiatives, with all monies going to Bruce Shoreline, the local CMHA branch located in Southampton.
According to organizer, Gordie Farrell, “Never before has the need to support mental health been so great,” in reference to the recent statistic that more than 300 million people have reached out to mental health programs during the time of COVID. “I was complete gobsmacked when I discovered that.”
“COVID, horrible as it is however, has shown how really strong our Grey-Bruce family is. People have come together as never before to help and support one another but the need for those with mental health problems continues to grow,” added Farrell.
Hosted at Fitness Corner in Southampton, the morning started off with the effervescent Holly Vanderzwet leading with her ‘reindeer’ warm-up, following which everyone was encouraged to get outside in their reindeer romp attire and walk, run, rollerblade, ski or snowshoe and raise funds for mental health.
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A direct link for donations can be found at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/38963 – Click on DONATE NOW and under FUND select “Bruce Shoreline, Southampton, Ontario (Reindeer Romp 2020)”. Tax receipts for all donations of $20.00 or more will be automatically generated and delivered to your email address.
Additional information can be found on Facebook, under the ‘event’ section, REINDEER ROMP 2020 ~ Saugeen Shores AND on Fitness Corner (Facebook and website fitnesscorner.ca).
