CTV News Edmonton has reported:

Children staying at the Stollery Children’s Hospital got an early Halloween celebration Wednesday afternoon, when Spirit Halloween hosted a party for patients. Each child could choose a costume, candy and crafts to keep, and patients will have opportunities to select costumes in the weeks leading up to Halloween.

Emma, who chose to be a fairy for Halloween, said she enjoys the holiday “because you get candy and you get to dress up.” Stollery staff said the event gives patients a chance to focus on something outside their hospital stay.

“Just because they’re here at a hospital doesn’t mean they should have to miss out on doing something that we would consider a pretty normal activity for kids to get excited for,” recreation therapist Natalya Lynch said. “They’re all excited. They’ve got big smiles on their faces. They’re excited to pick out a costume and to get something that’s just for them.”

The event brought a charitable spooky surprise to children at the hospital. The story included files from CTV News Edmonton’s Brandon Lynch.