Spirit Halloween Partners with Health Sciences Foundation to Support Child Life Services in Thunder
Published Monday, September 8, 2025
Left to right: Selena Owen, Former 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.
Spirit Halloween has partnered with the Regional Health Sciences Foundation this year to raise funds in support of Child Life Services at the Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Until October 31, customers at Spirit Halloween can add a donation at checkout, with all proceeds staying in the community to benefit children and families receiving care through the hospital's Child Life program.
Hospital visits can often be frightening for young patients, who may feel anxious or overwhelmed by medical procedures and the separation from home. Child Life Services help ease these experiences by providing play, education, and coping strategies. Toys, games, and the guidance of a Child Life Specialist offer comfort and reassurance, helping children continue to feel like kids even during their hospital stay.
“We are so grateful for this new partnership with Spirit Halloween,” said Amy Halvorsen, Manager of 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.”
Selena Owen, Former Development Assistant, Events at the Foundation, echoed that sentiment. “We couldn't be happier to welcome Spirit Halloween as a new partner. Our community 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 people will step up to make a difference for kids receiving care at our hospital.”
In-store donations can be made in several ways, including rounding up purchases to the nearest dollar, or giving in amounts of $1, $2, $5, or more. Donors can also take part in recognition opportunities, such as adding their name to a star, receiving a bracelet, or even being entered to win their costume—the more donated, the more chances to win.
For Spirit Halloween store operator Sarah Trimble, supporting the hospital through the company's Spirit of Children program is a meaningful experience. “Children in care benefit so much from moments of joy and comfort during difficult times,” she said. “Being able to help bring light, smiles, and support to families here is something I feel truly grateful to be part of.”
This marks the first year the local store has been included in Spirit of Children, a charitable program that supports more than 160 hospitals across North America. Its mission is to make hospitals less scary for kids by funding Child Life programs and providing comfort and distraction throughout hospital stays.
Community members are invited to visit Spirit Halloween before the end of October to contribute to the campaign, ensuring children and families in care continue to benefit from the support of Child Life Services.