A space full of spirit
In recognition of their commitment to making hospital stays less scary—and a lot more spirited—for Stollery kids and their families, the Spirit Halloween name is becoming a permanent fixture at the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
Spirit Halloween’s dedication to Stollery kids made its permanent mark on the Hospital with the naming of the Spirit Halloween Waiting Room located in the Edmonton Oilers Ambulatory Clinic at the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
Since 2011, under the passionate leadership of Momen Al-Subaihee, Spirit Halloween locations across Edmonton and Northern Alberta have supported the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation through their Spirit of Children campaign.
“The magic of Halloween is in the imagination, excitement and sense of community it brings. For kids—especially those in the hospital—it’s a chance to escape from the medical setting, even for a day, and just be kids again,” says Momen Al-Subaihee. “Having the Spirit Halloween Waiting Room at the Stollery represents the heart of what we do—bringing comfort and positivity to children and families in difficult times. It’s an incredible honour and something we’re truly proud of.”
Part of an initiative across Canada and the United States, Spirit of Children empowers Child Life programs, providing Halloween celebration kits to more than 160 partner hospitals so kids and their families, who otherwise wouldn’t be able to participate in Halloween, can enjoy the spooky fun of the season even while in the Hospital. Through Spirit of Children, 100 per cent of proceeds go directly to support Child Life, and all costs associated with running the initiative are paid for by Spirit Halloween.
“Because of Spirit Halloween’s support, our Child Life team can help kids experience the fun and excitement of the season, bringing a sense of normalcy and joy to what otherwise can be a very stressful time,” says Melanie Dziwenka, Stollery Child Life Specialist. “Thank you for helping us bring fun into the Hospital and for supporting the normalization, play and coping experiences that make such a difference for Stollery kids and families.”
To date, the Spirit of Children program has raised more than $1.1 million for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. Every dollar donated at local Spirit Halloween stores stays in the community, directly supporting Child Life services that make the hospital experience more comfortable for young patients and their families.
These funds help:
- Hire additional Child Life staff
- Extend Child Life hours, including in emergency departments
- Create playrooms, teen lounges and family spaces
- Provide sensory, educational and entertainment tools that distract and comfort during procedures
Across Canada and the United States, the Spirit of Children program has raised more than $145 million since 2007 for Child Life programs — including $17 million in 2024 alone, with a 2025 fundraising goal of $18 million.
“We hope to continue growing our support each year and inspiring others in the community to get involved,” says Momen. “The goal is to make an even bigger difference—helping fund more Child Life specialists, expanding programming and reaching even more families in need. The Stollery does life-changing work, and we want to be part of ensuring that support continues for years to come.”
Thank you, Spirit Halloween, for making Hospital visits a little less scary for kids.
