By Greg Ellison

(Dec. 2, 2021) Looking to increase support for people battling addiction, local nonprofits Hope4Recovery and Worcester Goes Purple will host their first “Ugly Sweater Run4Recovery” on Saturday in Berlin from 9 a.m. to noon.

Patricia Ottey with Hope4Recovery said the “family fun” 5K run begins and ends in front of the Atlantic Hotel on Main Street.

“It’s a fun run [for] families, kids and dogs,” she said. “No one is trying to reach their personal best.”

Ottey credited Debbie Smullen, who works with Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services and also founded Worcester Goes Purple, for envisioning the event to raise backing for the local recovery community.

“She was the brains behind the fundraiser,” she said. “She approached us about doing a co-fundraiser.”

While not required, organizers encourage participants to come decked out in unfashionable holiday sweaters.

“There will be prizes for best costumes,” she said.

The cost for individuals is $15 and $35 for families up to four.

Day of registration begins at 8:15 a.m. but participants may also pre-register online by visiting hope4recoveryberlin.org/upcoming-events.

Fruit snacks and hot coco will be available.

Ottey said while not intended as a competitive race, medals would be awarded at the conclusion.

“The first 100 people receive a bag with a T-shirt and candy,” she said.

Red Sun Custom Apparel provided event T-shirts to support the charitable endeavor.

Ottey said organizers would have a handful of tables where substance-abuse recovery literature would be available.

“It’s equally to raise awareness and let people know about both groups,” she said.