Shamrock Shuffle in St. Thomas

A charity to raise money for an emergency shelter in St. Thomas, Ont. exceeded expectations.

The 11th annual Shamrock Shuffle on Saturday sends proceeds to the Inn St. Thomas-Elgin, the low-barrier emergency shelter, according to Executive Director Brian Elliot.

The inn provides hot meals, showers and clothing for up to 300 different individuals and families.

Men and women are welcome.

“We have 150 participants this year, which is up about 35 percent year-over-year in registrations,” Elliot said. “That speaks to this community that has been amazing for Han. Proceeds here go to help clients with medication costs, transportation costs and food security.”

Elliot added that the inn serves more than 28,000 meals a year.

An undated image of the St. Thomas-Elgin, the city’s emergency shelter. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)A big supporter of the run and the inn is the St. Louis Police Service. Thomas (STPS).

They work hand in hand with the Inn every day.

“The police are very involved, especially our community resource team and our special agents who deal with vulnerable people on a daily basis,” said Deputy Chief Scott Barnes of STPS. “The Inn is a vital component to the community and a vital partner providing services to vulnerable people.”

Elliot says the shelter’s biggest fundraiser is “amazing to us.”

“We think we’re going to be over $25,000 today,” he said.