It’s that time of year, when local runners and walkers haul out their candy-striped leggings, jingle bells, and Santa hats for the annual Rudolph Run in Ormstown. This year’s event will take place at the Recreation Centre on November 25, with participants lining up in their finest red and green gear for a mass start at 9 a.m.

Over the past few years, the Rudolph Run has focused exclusively on helping to raise awareness and funds for the La Bouffe Additionnelle food pantry in Huntingdon. Funds raised this year will once again go to support the organization’s Christmas basket campaign.

“I am always amazed at the community support,” says Grace Brown, who notes they receive donations from non-participants as well. The past three events have all brought in over $5,000, and the goal is to surpass this amount once again. “People are hard up at home, but they are extending their generosity, and it is really great to live in a community like this,” says Brown, who organizes the event with Darleen Legros. “It is a team effort,” she adds, noting it couldn’t be done without the team of volunteers who support the event.

A minimum $5 donation per participant is requested. Donations can also be made via e-transfer to La Bouffe Additionnelle directly at labouffeadditionnelle@bellnet.ca, using the password “Rudolph.”

A growing need

The association with the Rudolph Run is very much appreciated by the board at La Bouffe Additionnelle. “We have seen a large increase in demand,” says its president, Joanne Themens. Last year the organization gave out 378 Christmas food baskets. This year, the target is to produce 600 baskets. Themens says the food pantry is serving two new clients per week. As a result, the organization needs both monetary donations and food contributions.

At least 14 collection points for La Bouffe Additionnelle’s annual food drive will be established throughout the region from November 20 to December 15. The organization will be accepting canned and non-perishable food items, as well as personal hygiene products and household cleaning products.

The registration period for Christmas baskets will end on November 24. Those who would like to request a basket may do so in person at La Bouffe Additionnelle in Huntingdon. Howick and Très-Saint-Sacrement residents may call 450-825-2032 or 450-825-0192, Ormstown residents should contact 450-807-4348 or 450-601-1762, Saint-Chrysostome residents can reach out to 514-793-0465, and Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague residents can call 450-371-8557.