Spirit Halloween Partners with Foundation to Support Child Life Services in Thunder Bay
Published Monday, August 25, 2025
Left to right: Selena Owen, Development Assistant, Events at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation; Bryn Roberts, Child Life Specialist at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre; Sarah Trimble, Spirit Halloween Store Operator; and Haley Werbowetski, Events Manager, celebrating the new partnership in support of Child Life Services.
This Halloween season, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Spirit Halloween in support of Child Life Services at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
From now until October 31, Spirit Halloween customers can donate at checkout, with 100% of proceeds staying in Thunder Bay to help children and families receiving care through Child Life Services.
Hospital visits can be overwhelming for many children. Being away from home and facing medical procedures often leads to fear, confusion, and anxiety. Child Life Services help ease these stresses by providing play, education, and coping strategies that bring comfort and reassurance. With toys, games, and the support of a Child Life Specialist, children are given the chance to feel like kids — even in the hospital.
“We are so grateful for this new partnership with Spirit Halloween,” said Amy Halvorsen, Manager, Paediatric Inpatient/Outpatient. “Their support will help ensure more children and families have access to the comfort and care they need during hospital stays. Our Child Life Specialists are incredible, helping children through some of the most stressful times in their lives. Knowing our community can help make those experiences a little less overwhelming is truly heartwarming.”
“We couldn't be happier to welcome Spirit Halloween as a new partner,” said Selena Owen, Development Assistant, Events at the Health Sciences Foundation. “Thunder Bay has a big love for Halloween and an even bigger heart for children. This partnership brings those two things together in a really special way, and we're confident our community will step up to make a difference for kids receiving care at our hospital.”
How to Support
Donations can be made in-store in a variety of ways:
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Round up your purchase to the nearest dollar.
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$1, $2, $5, or $10+ donations unlock recognition opportunities, such as writing your name on a star, receiving a bracelet, and being entered to win your costume. The more you give, the more chances you have to win.
“Working with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre's Child Life Services through the Spirit of Children is deeply important to me. Children in care benefit so much from moments of joy and comfort during difficult times. Being able to help bring light, smiles, and support to families here in Thunder Bay is something I feel truly grateful to be part of,” said Sarah Trimble, Spirit Halloween Store Operator.
This is the first year Thunder Bay has been included in Spirit of Children — Spirit Halloween's charitable program that supports over 160 hospitals across North America. The program is dedicated to making hospitals less scary for kids by funding Child Life services and helping provide comfort and distraction during hospital stays.
Community members are encouraged to stop by Spirit Halloween before October 31 and take part in supporting local kids and families receiving care at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.