Fort McMurray's version of Buddy the Elf runs for charity and Christmas cheer
CBC
In Fort McMurray, elf sightings aren't just a holiday tradition.
In the summer, spring, winter or fall people in the Wood Buffalo region may see Buddy the Elf running through the streets, hop-scotching through crosswalks, or singing at fundraisers.
The elf is a staple during the town's holiday season.
Enter Blake Crossley, otherwise known as Fort McMurray's Buddy the Elf.
Buddy the Elf is the main character from the film Elf, released in 2003. It features Will Ferrell, as a human raised by elves.
Crossley, a marathon runner, has been dressing up as Buddy since 2009 when he went as the elf for Halloween.
But since then he says it's "just manifested into something bigger."
Crossley didn't just dress as Buddy, he took on the character and tried to make people laugh.
With the pandemic, the character has been more important, Crossley said
"There's been a lot of uncertainty and a lot of fear," said Crossley.
"I firmly believe that if you can reach out to just one person, regardless of age, you're doing a good thing."
Crossley takes his role seriously, going as far as contacting a team member from the company that made Will Ferrell's costume for the movie, and ordering his own elf outfit.
Crossley doesn't just get into character for his runs, over the holiday season he's swamped with requests for him to attend fundraisers.
Leading up to Christmas he volunteers at least four days a week.
Deborah Ann Badeau listens to Country 94 radio in her small apartment. It’s been nearly a year since she moved into the transitional housing unit, after about six years living in a tent.
The walls and racks of the Accès-Loisirs Québec warehouse are overflowing with everything from hockey jerseys and skis to tennis rackets, sleeping bags, soccer cleats and even a few guitars.
Manitoba's government appears to be making progress in its commitment to expand spinal care capacity, but it's not happening fast enough for some patients, who want the province to reduce the barriers to getting out-of-province care.
Chief Cam McBride acknowledges crime has declined even as spending on police will rise to one-quarter of the city’s budget next year.
Two athletes from Prince Edward Island are one step closer to the Olympics after being selected for funding and accelerated development through the Canadian Olympic Committee’s official talent search program, RBC Training Ground.
Hamilton's new rules intended to improve apartment building conditions will roll out Jan. 1.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a yellow rainfall and wind warning for Windsor-Essex.
As Jillian Popplow packed away dozens of T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase “sex, drugs & lobster rolls,” she questioned what would become of the quirky tees.
Framed art pieces practically cover the walls of Peter Marsh’s home in Scarborough
Crews had nearly finished dealing with the aftermath of Boxing Day's freezing rain when heavy rain and strong winds hit London on Sunday.
Courtney Deveau and her boyfriend Zachary Legacy were talking about the moose signage and fencing around the highway they were travelling along just moments before they hit a moose that totalled their Volkswagen Golf.
CN Rail crews were clearing tracks early Sunday morning after nine train cars derailed near Jubilee Station in Winnipeg.
A man has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder after two people were killed near Grande Prairie, Alta. early Saturday morning.