Jingle Bell Run attracts 305

ESSEX COUNTY — The annual Jingle Bell Run, Walk and Wheel, in support of Community Living Essex County (CLEC), was held virtually over the weekend and 305 participants got their exercise for a good cause.

The 305 entries is an average turnout for the annual event, which celebrated its 25th year last year. Some years have been as high as 600 participants, while others have been as low as 100, depending on the weather.

This year’s virtual event saw people sending in photos of themselves and their families doing the exercises, while raising pledge money for CLEC.

Paula Cappelli of Leamington, participated in the virtual version of the Jingle Bell Run.

Tony DeSantis, Manager of Community Relations and Resource Development for CLEC, gives credit to the folks at Ken Knapp Ford in Essex.

“They are great neighbours,” he said. “James Knapp and his entire crew have gone above and beyond.”

The Knapp dealership involvement stems from the involvement of the late Bob Blair, who was employed at Knapp Ford for many years. Blair, the former chair of the Jingle Bell Run, passed away in early 2019.

Proceeds from the event go to help over 750 people in Essex County with intellectual disabilities.