While Ontario waits for the Ford government to make the call on whether Halloween 2020 is a go, Cystic Fibrosis Canada and its partners are running a socially-distanced holiday event that could be a substitute for trick or treating this year.
Quest4CF is a nationwide treasure hunt that will take place in select cities and towns across Canada on Sunday, Oct. 18. Niagara Region is one of the participating areas. All West Niagara families are invited to join in.
On event day, teams will venture out in vehicles to complete a large-scale scavenger hunt. Each group will receive clues that will lead them to local businesses and landmarks. Eventually, they will arrive at a hidden treasure trove. Most clues can be solved from inside a car.
The Halloween celebration will raise money for Cystic Fibrosis (CF), an inherited disorder that affects 4,300 Canadians. The disease causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs in the body. CF is progressive and requires daily care. Many people with CF have a reduced lifespan, living to their mid-30s to early 50s.
Participants are encouraged to dress for the quest by wearing Halloween costumes during the daytime Sunday event. At specified pit stops, children will receive goody bags so they can trick or treat along the way. Prizes can also be won, and a barbecue lunch is offered to all attendees.
All in all, the event might be a better option for families that may already by considering opting out of trick or treating this year due to COVID-19. It certainly is for parents like Merisa Lepage, who has a child that is particularly vulnerable. “My feisty six-year-old Sasha has cystic fibrosis, so anytime we hear of local CF events, we are always eager to participate and do our part to get us closer to a cure,” said Lepage.
During the worldwide pandemic, the Lepage family have spent the majority of their time safely at home. So their kids are thrilled that they can dress up and join in the Halloween scavenger hunt.
“(My kids) love that they get to go on a treasure hunt and get dressed up. The fact that this event raises funds for a cause so special to us, as well as, gives us the chance to have fun as a family and put a big smile on our kid’s faces, means so much to me,” said Lepage
Any family can join in. For those considering sitting out the traditional Oct. 31 door to door trick or treating because of COVID-19 concerns, this event might serve as a great replacement.
The best part is that, funds raised through Quest4CF will also assist with costs and challenges for Canadians currently living with CF. Funds will also help with Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s key effort to find a cure or control for the devastating genetic disease. Every week, in Canada one baby is diagnosed with CF.
The cost to participate is $60 per vehicle. Participating teams are also encouraged to reach out to their friends and family to donate to the fundraiser.
West Niagara residents who would like to register or sponsor a team can visit the Quest4CF event page.
For additional sponsorship opportunities and event details contact Johanna Cotte, Fund Development Associate, CF Canada, at [email protected] or Debbie Flagg, Service Director, Kin Canada District One, at [email protected]