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Brennan’s Ugly Sweater Run records highest participation despite change in format

Dec 7, 2020 | 2:50 PM

KAMLOOPS — The fourth annual Brennan’s Ugly Sweater Run saw people come together for a cause even while staying apart.

The event is a holiday-themed fundraiser in memory of Brennan Comazzetto, who was struck and killed by a drunk driver 21 years ago.

Due to gathering restrictions, the run had to move online this year. Participants were asked to don their favourite ugly Christmas sweaters and go for a walk or run with their household groups.

“It was the biggest race we’ve ever had,” said run founder and coordinator Payton Comazzetto. “Most participants, most sponsors and most prizes ever. So, people joined and started running at about 6 a.m., we started getting times and photos in at 6 a.m. and that went all the way until 4 all across the world. So, it was pretty fabulous.”

100 per cent of the funds raised through the Ugly Sweater Run will go to the Boys and Girls Club’s Power Start program.

Donations are still coming in, but with more than $12,000 accounted for, the event is nearing last year’s record.

“I’ve never seen so many people – all from a distance – saying hello,” Comazzetto said. “It was the most – I can’t even describe how it felt, because it never felt like that before. It was just amazing to see all these families coming together, doing something outside of the house. It was awesome. I could definitely feel that Brennan was there and there were other people that were running in memorial of someone they knew, which just also made it that much more special.”

You can still donate until the end of the week by sending an E-transfer to brennansuglysweaterrun@gmail.com. Donors are also asked to email their name and address to receive a tax receipt for donations over $50.

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