James Delorey/Ugly Sweater Run team up to raise toys for kids

Two popular events held before Christmas each year are teaming up in hopes of generating toys and cash for local children. Organizers of the James Delorey Memorial Run and Sydney’s Ugly Sweater Run were forced to cancel their races due to covid concerns so decided to host a virtual walk or run campaign this year, starting now until the finish day Dec. 20. Anyone who registers online before 11:59 pm on Dec. 20, can walk or run whatever distance they choose wearing their finest or ugliest Christmas attire and post photos on social media for a chance to win much coveted bragging rights and prizes. “This annual event allows us to keep James’ memory alive,” co-organizer Nick Burke said. “2020 has been a difficult year, but we’re happy to offer a virtual event in conjunction with the Ugly Sweater Run and have all toys and funds donated in James’ memory to a great cause.” The James Delorey Memorial Race started in 2010, a year after the little seven-year-old autistic boy from South Bar died after he wandered away from his home in the woods in the hours before a vicious snow storm struck. His dog Chance eventually returned home two days later, leading searchers to him. The race in his honor has generated thousands over the years including funds for Project Lifesaver, a Cape Breton Search and Rescue initiative that provide bracelets to track people who may wander. The Ugly Sweater Run was founded in 2012 by journalists Wendy Martin and Tera Camus to raise Christmas money and toys for children of Transition House, a local shelter for abused women and children. Over the years the race has generated hundreds of toys and thousands to support children and their mothers every Christmas. "We're disappointed that we can't hold our annual Ugly Sweater Run in person this year,” Ms. Martin said. “But we hope people will take the opportunity to have a little fun this holiday season by getting a couple of family members or friends together, and holding their own Ugly Sweater event, in support of a wonderful cause." Helen Morrison, executive director of Transition House, said they helped 113 women and children at the shelter in 2020 and supported seven families living in second stage apartments. Ms. Camus says the goal of the campaign is to help as many of them as possible in what seems like an impossible year. “Because it’s a virtual event this year anyone can do it,” Camus said. “You can walk, run, dance or skip, it doesn’t matter. What counts is helping local kids if you can.” Participants can register online for the 2020 James Delorey/Ugly Sweater Run at https://www.webscorer.com and their $20 race fee will be donated to Transition House in time for Christmas. In lieu of registration online, participants can donate $20 directly to Transition House by sending an e-transfer to [email protected] in memory of James Delorey. In lieu of a financial donation, an unwrapped toy can be dropped off to The Bubble and Brew at 76 Townsend Street in Sydney. Toys will be received this week only, from Tuesday to Friday, between 12 noon and 7 pm and on Saturday from 12 noon to 5 pm. Everyone who participates can post their photos before midnight Dec. 20 to the Facebook page: “James Delorey/ Ugly Sweater virtual run” for a chance to win some pretty ugly Christmas prizes and of course much coveted bragging rights.

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