Halloween is set to get a whole lot more exciting as Children’s Health Foundation officially launches its annual Trick or Treat fundraising campaign, calling on people across Ireland to get dressed up, get creative and host their own Halloween fundraiser in support of sick children.
This year’s campaign has been launched by 11-year-old CHI at Crumlin patient Alice, alongside Today FM broadcaster Alison Curtis, who is returning to support the much-loved Halloween fundraiser
Taking place from Friday 23 October, right the way through to Halloween, Trick or Treat encourages everyone from families and schools to crèches, workplaces, clubs and community groups to host their own spooky celebration and raise vital funds for sick children.
Alice knows first-hand the difference that specialist children’s healthcare and support can make.
An active 11-year-old who loves swimming, tennis and hip-hop dancing, Alice has been living with Crohn’s disease since she was three and a half.
She now receives regular infliximab infusions every five weeks, with the care and support she receives from the teams at Children’s Health Ireland an important part of her journey.
Despite spending much of her childhood attending hospital, Alice refuses to let her condition define her. Her mum Yvonne says “Alice has completely accepted that Crohn’s is part of her life and continues to get on with being a happy, active child.”
Now, Alice is helping to encourage people across the country to take part in Trick or Treat and help other sick children have the very best chance.
Joining Alice for the campaign launch at Today FM studios, was broadcaster Alison Curtis who returns to support the campaign now in it’s 26th year.
Once registered, supporters can access a Trick or Treat supporter kit, packed with everything needed to bring a Halloween fundraiser to life, including posters, stickers, creative decorations, games and more.
Every euro raised will help Children’s Health Foundation support the vital work taking place across Children’s Health Ireland, helping to fund areas including groundbreaking research, therapeutic and play initiatives and supports that help children and families through their hospital journey.
Initiatives like the Healthcare Play Services, funding from campaigns like Trick or Treat enables the purchase of medical play equipment, distraction resources and tools to help Health Play Specialists support children through medical procedures.
In 2026 more than 14,000 play interventions have been delivered across all four Children’s Health Ireland sites.
Jessica O’Leary, Head of Fundraising at Children’s Health Foundation said:
“We are delighted to officially launch Trick or Treat 2026 and are incredibly grateful to Alice and Alison for helping us get the campaign off to such a fantastic start.
For sick children and their families facing time in hospital, the right care and support can make a huge difference.
Funds raised through Trick or Treat help Children’s Health Foundation support the vital work taking place across Children’s Health Ireland hospitals, from groundbreaking research and therapeutic and play initiatives to supports that help children and families through their hospital journey.
We hope people across Ireland will join us this Halloween and turn their celebrations into something that can make a lasting difference for children like Alice.”
Whether it’s a Halloween party at home, a spooky dress-up day in a school or crèche, or a themed fundraiser in the workplace or community, everyone can take part.
Sign up for Trick or Treat, access the supporter kit and start planning Halloween fundraiser at www.childrenshealth.ie/trickortreat