US-based seasonal Halloween retailer Spirit Halloween is launching ‘Spirit of Children Week’ on Monday 15 October, in aid of specialist children’s departments at 140 pediatric hospitals across the US and Canada.
Through the Spirit of Children programme, now in its 11th year, Spirit Halloween will host nearly 100 hospital-based Halloween parties at partner hospitals so that children staying in the wards can still join in with the Halloween fun.
More than 80,000 products – including costumes, accessories, games and décor – will be donated, allowing hospitals to throw the ultimate Halloween parties.
“Spirit of Children provides kids in hospitals with much-needed play and distraction,” said Steven Silverstein, president and ceo of Spirit Halloween. “We see first-hand how our parties create magic that transcends the kids’ difficult situations and provides a sense of normality as families navigate through challenging and heart-wrenching medical situations. Every child should be able to experience the joy of Halloween.”
Since its inception in 2007, Spirit of Children has also raised more than $45 million in critical funding for its partner hospitals. With a goal of $9 million dollars in 2018, funds are raised via donations from customers at more than 1,300 Spirit Halloween stores and SpiritHalloween.com, in addition to contributions from vendors and business partners.
Crucially, 100% of funds raised each year stay local and are donated to the community’s partner hospital.
Spirit Halloween is raising awareness for Spirit of Children with its #MoreCowbell initiative which sees customers ring an iconic purple cowbell each time they make a donation at a Spirit Halloween store. Donors are encouraged to post a photo or video of themselves ringing the iconic cowbell on social media, using #MoreCowbell and #SpiritofChildren to encourage others to participate.
To find out more, visit SpiritHalloween.com.