For the 14th consecutive year, the Now That’s Ugly Society has been hosting an annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, attracting hundreds of tacky sweater-wearing party-goers to the Commodore Ballroom, in support of The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. Maybe you’ve heard of the party (or even attended yourself), but did you know there’s also the all ages Original Ugly Christmas Sweater Dash which supports the same charitable cause?
Now in its third year, the Ugly Christmas Sweater Dash invites the Lower Mainland to get a little ugly this festive season. Join hundreds of runners and walkers in an untimed 5k dash at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody, filled with holiday-themed stations, snow blowers and giant Christmas characters.
After finishing the scenic 5k route, participants are encouraged to spend time at the Finisher’s Festival, indulging in all-you-can-drink hot chocolate, modeling their complimentary Ugly Christmas Sweater Toque, and visiting Grandma’s Living Room for their first grandma-inspired picture of the season. And, like the end of every good race, participants are invited to sip on a festive craft beer from local breweries Twin Sails, Moody Ales or Yellow Dog Brewery.
This year’s Ugly Christmas Sweater Dash will support granting a wish for a four-old girl from Pitt Meadows named Hannah. Each year, thousands of Canadian children between the ages of three and 17 are diagnosed with a life threatening illness. With a love of dancing, singing, and her dollies, Hannah is a normal little girl in every way except that she was born with congenital heart defects that have required a number of surgeries. Hannah was recently approved for a wish and is ecstatic to pick something special for her family.
So, in support of The Children’s Wish Foundation, raid your closet or a local thrift shop for the tackiest, itchiest, ugliest Christmas sweater you can find, pair with spandex, lace up your runners, and get ready for the most fun you can have with your knitwear on.
To register for The Ugly Christmas Sweater Run in Port Moody, visit: UglyChristmasSweaterDash.ca.