Niagara Children’s Centre hosts inclusive Halloween experience
October 25, 2025
Niagara Children’s Centre hosts inclusive Halloween experience
St. Catharines, ON – “The Super Mario Brothers!”
That’s what ten-year-old Carlos Sánchez shared as his favourite part of Niagara Children’s Centre’s annual Trunk or Treat event, held on Saturday, October 25. The inclusive Halloween celebration welcomed hundreds of Centre clients and their families for a morning of accessible trick-or-treating, festive fun, and community connection.
The event featured nearly 30 decorated vehicles, each transformed into imaginative scenes — from Frozen and Sesame Street to a Circus, Alice in Wonderland, and more. Families also explored fire trucks, police cars, and tractors, and met special guests, including Sunny the River Otter, the Centre’s new mascot. A sensory-friendly start of the event provided a calm environment for children who benefit from reduced noise and crowds.
“It’s very rewarding to see the children and families we serve experiencing the joy of trick-or-treating,” said Noella Klawitter, CEO, Niagara Children’s Centre. “Traditional trick-or-treating can present many accessibility challenges, so we’re proud to offer an equitable Halloween experience where every child can participate and have fun.”
For Carlos and his family, this was their first Halloween event at the Centre since immigrating from Mexico late last year. Referred to Niagara Children’s Centre for developmental support, Carlos now receives services that include occupational therapy, social work, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to support him in his daily life.
“What has always stood out to me is the kindness and human warmth of everyone at the Centre,” said Gerardo Sánchez, father of Carlos. “They listen to families, understand our children’s needs, and support them so they can grow and reach their full potential.”
Now living in Niagara Falls, the family actively participates in Centre activities, including Challenger Baseball, and appreciates the sense of belonging it provides.
“He really loves the baseball program and meeting the other participants,” Sánchez shared. “Today was a great way to enjoy trick-or-treating with the kids and meet other parents.”
Event volunteers, community partners, and local first responders all played a key role in making the day possible.
“Our volunteers love getting creative with their car designs,” said Klawitter. “It’s amazing to see how much joy and effort everyone puts into making this experience special for our families.”
In addition to the dozens of staff and volunteers who decorated trunks and handed out goodies, the event was supported by generous donations of treats and supplies from local residents and businesses. Their contributions helped ensure that every child could take part in the fun — with a variety of edible and non-edible options available for families with dietary needs and preferences.
“We’re so grateful for the community’s ongoing support,” added Klawitter. “It truly takes a village to create an event like this, and the generosity we see each year reminds us how much Niagara values inclusion and connection.”
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About Niagara Children’s Centre: Niagara Children’s Centre provided rehabilitation and child development services to more than 5,900 children and youth last year across the Niagara Region with physical, developmental and communicative delays. The range of services include: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language services, augmentative and alternative communication, family services and therapeutic recreation.
For further information, contact: Michael Morrison, Marketing & Communications Officer
Phone: 905-688-1890 ext 260
Email: michael.morrison@niagarachildrenscentre.com Photo caption:
Carlos Sánchez stands with two police officers at Niagara Children's Centre Trunk or Treat event, held on Saturday, Oct. 25.