A Little Halloween Spirit Can Make a Big Difference for Kids
Published Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Left to right: Jenelle Dawson, Development Assistant, Events at the Health Sciences Foundation; Deni Patel, Spirit Halloween team member; Abbey Meloche; and Bryn Roberts, Child Life Specialist at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, celebrating the second year of the Spirit of Children partnership in support of Child Life Services.
Halloween is such a fun time of year for kids (and big kids like me!). There are costumes to pick out, decorations to put up and, of course, plenty of excitement about trick-or-treating.
But for children spending time in the Hospital, things can feel a little different.
Being away from home and facing medical procedures can lead to fear, confusion and anxiety. That's why Child Life Services at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre are so important.
Through play, education and coping strategies, Child Life Specialists help ease these stresses, bringing comfort and reassurance and giving children the chance to feel like kids, even in the Hospital.
And this Halloween, our community has a chance to help make those moments possible.
For the second year, Spirit Halloween in Thunder Bay is raising funds for Child Life Services through its charitable program, Spirit of Children.
Last year, our community helped raise more than $20,000, and we're so excited to be partnering with Spirit Halloween again!
What I love about this fundraiser is how easy it is for everyone to get involved. If you're stopping by Spirit Halloween to pick up a costume or some decorations, you can round up your purchase or make a donation at the checkout.
Every dollar raised locally stays right here in Thunder Bay to support Child Life Services at our Hospital.
And those donations really do make a difference. They help provide toys, games and creative materials that bring comfort, distraction and moments of joy to children when they need it most.
Spirit of Children supports more than 160 hospitals across North America, and we're grateful that Thunder Bay is part of this wonderful program.
There's still time to get involved! Fundraising continues at Spirit Halloween until October 31.
I hope you'll consider making a donation to help bring a little comfort, fun and joy to children receiving care at our Hospital.
Article by Jenelle Dawson, Development Assistant, Events, Health Sciences Foundation