They want to raise $100,000.
That's how much 10 wishes cost, enough to make the dreams come true for 10 children with life-threatening illnesses.
Their efforts started 13 years ago in a Coquitlam basement and, last year, the Now That's Ugly Society collected enough cash to see two wishes granted by the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada.
Co-founder Jordan Birch, an Anmore resident, said December will be a busy month for his group, which has tripled in volunteer support over the past year - many of the new helpers hailing from the Tri-Cities.
On Friday, their fundraising activities kick off when the society brings its signature photo booth, called Grandma's Living Room, to the Vancouver Craft Beer Week holiday festival at Studio East (1480 Frances St., Vancouver); prizes will be given out for participants with the ugliest Christmas top.
Next week, Birch will be before Port Coquitlam and Port Moody city councils to receive proclamations for Ugly Sweater Day on Dec. 19 while, on Dec. 13, the 5k family dash happens at the Olympic Village Square. That night, the Vancouver Giants will host the Victoria Royals on Ugly Christmas Sweater Night in support of the cause (the Giants will also don special Ugly Christmas Sweater jerseys and attendees are also encourage to sport an ugly sweater).
And their campaign wraps up with the 13th annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at the Commodore Ballroom on Dec. 19, with Dr. Strangelove headlining. Also premiering the Ugly Sweater Day anthem will be Port Moody songwriter/musician Greg Drummond. "I just feel blessed to be involved in this charity event every year and to be working beside such a passionate team," Drummond said.
Still, Birch said there's plenty in the works for 2015. The non-profit organization is planning Ugly Christmas Sweater dashes in Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto and Halifax. "It's all about the kids," Birch said. "That's my favourite part about this whole campaign is being around them and seeing them happy."
@jwarrenTC
