This week, Classic LifeCare hosted its first-annual Halloween Howler Kids Party in Calgary. Children with illness said, “boo” to being sick as they sported costumes.
Classic LifeCare organized the Howler at the Kerby Centre to celebrate its pediatric clients through Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) and through a home care contract with Alberta Health Services.
Our Halloween Howler Was A Hit!
A sensory table of ooey, gooey things to feel, pin the spider on the web, face painting, crafts, music, food and six furry guests from PALS (Pet Access League Society) greeted the children in attendance.
Three-year-old Joshua, said the best thing about the Halloween Howler was the cookies, while he finished his fourth.
The event was an incredible success according to Jillian Lints, event organizer and community relations representative.
“It was so great to see some of our pediatric clients attend” said Lints. “It was great to see them outside of their schools and homes just being kids.”
Lints said it’s amazing what some of the families have to deal with, yet all of them had smiles on their faces.
PALS volunteer Janie Docouto and her Standard Poodle Mariah Stole the Show
Docouto was appropriately dressed in a poodle skirt and crouched to eye level, allowing the kids to give Mariah some scratches.
“I wanted to give back at events like this and that’s why I volunteer with PALS,” said Docouto, whose oldest daughter has a terminal illness. “Mariah always instinctively knows who needs the most attention. She makes a point of spending time with them. Her coat is unique and very tactile so people love to pet her.”
The duo volunteers at events like the Halloween Howler throughout the city, at Calgary hospitals.
Lints said the Halloween Howler was a great way to honour its Classic LifeCare’s pediatric clients. It also created awareness for Classic LifeCare’s pediatric services in the Calgary community.
“These kids are amazing. They have such hard lives, yet they are still just kids who want to have fun. I’m proud we organized this event!”
