Brennan’s Ugly Sweater Run becoming a tradition in Kamloops

KAMLOOPS — The holidays are all about traditions. This weekend, one of Kamloops’ newest traditions turns five – the 5th annual Brennan’s Ugly Sweater Run will take place this Sunday, December 5th.

The event raises funds for a good cause. Organizers are hoping to raise $20,000 which will help BGC Kamloops – formerly known as the Boys and Girls Club – provide breakfast for 160 kids in need throughout the year.

“We’re specifically helping with their Power Start Program. This program is able to give food to kids that might not get breakfast. They’ll bring them to school, and give them breakfast before they go to class,” Jillian Hayes, Social Media Coordinator for the Ugly Sweater Run explains. “During COVID, [BGC Kamloops] was able to bring meals to their homes, which is so cool.”

Payton Comazzetto started the Ugly Sweater Run back in 2016, in honour of her brother Brennan who was killed by an impaired driver in 1999. 2021 marks the second straight year the run will be held virtually. However, the organizers will use social media to make sure there’s still that festive feel to the run.

“That’s how we’re participating, too, is through Instagram. We want to see your pictures. You actually get entered for some really cool prizes. We have $6400 worth of prizes we’re giving out this year and you get entered automatically for [registering] or donating. Then you can get entered even for other [prizes] by participating and showing pictures of your ugly sweaters!”

For more information or to register for the run, you can visit www.runforbrennan.com.