Join Santa and likely some elves for a 5K Shuffle, run or walk, on Saturday, Dec. 4 in Bridgton.

The first Santa Shuffle benefits the children of Bridge Crossing and their new school, Bridge Crossing Academy (located on Wayside Avenue). Registration is available online at nfinorth.com or go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Bridgton/SantaShuffleMaine  

First up is a free (pre-registered, $10 on race day) Children’s Fun Run at 8 a.m. Kids will run about a quarter mile on a closed course. Race organizers encourage all littles and families to come dressed with holiday cheer and join them in helping Maine’s most vulnerable children! Registration opens at 7:15 a.m.

The 5K Walk/Run starts at 9 a.m. You’ll run through the seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest, past the sea of twirly-swirly gum drops and back to Bridge Crossing (Wayside Avenue) where hot cocoa and festivities await! Registration is $25 ($35 on race day). Company teams, family and friend groups alike are encouraged to create teams of your own! All you need is two or more people, a snappy name and some good old-fashioned holiday cheer!

There is also a Virtual Auction and Fund Raiser. Run, walk, jog anytime on your schedule. It’s at your own pace, time it and share it on NFI’s social media platform. Registration is $20.

Not a runner? You can help out by being a race volunteer, team organizer, fundraiser or sponsor. E-mail Alisa Gibson at alisagibson@nafi.com for more information.

Bridge Crossing is a safe and loving refuge for young children ages 5-14. The guiding vision is a commitment to helping children return to their family or another home-like setting. Bridge Crossing provides specialized treatment and education to assist them through their journey of healing and ultimately help them find their happily ever after.

Proceeds from the Run for the Children 5K ensure that children at Bridge Crossing receive the best possible care, including a more robust children’s activities program, increased education assistance, special services to families, and intensive therapies for children overcoming trauma. With over 24 years of caring for children, Bridge Crossing has a unique understanding of providing a safe, nurturing environment for children in crisis and the value of keeping families together following trauma.