Knowing some parents won’t be comfortable taking their kids trick-or-treating in the traditional way this year, an Orillia business owner has come up with an alternative.
Jason Browning, who owns It Happens CellTek, is hosting Quarantine-O-Ween on Oct. 31 at his business at 220 James St. W. It’s a “one-stop shop” for trick-or-treaters, who can stop by for contactless pick-up of Halloween goodies.
While the country's chief public health officer, Theresa Tam, has said there’s no reason to call off Halloween and trick-or-treating, some people won’t feel safe going door to door, Browning said.
“I kind of saw the writing on the wall about Halloween,” he said. “A lot of people are just not going to want to send their kids out.”
Browning has the sanitation equipment to ensure every individually wrapped treat is disinfected, and he and others who will be volunteering during the event will be wearing personal protective equipment.
He is looking for people who want to volunteer during Quarantine-O-Ween, and he’s looking for donations of treats or money to purchase them.
While some individuals and businesses have already stepped up, Browning is hoping for more donations.
“I’d love to make it massive,” he said.
The event will run from 5 to 8 p.m. Trick-or-treaters must be in costume. Treats will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis while they last.
Browning is working on getting a photographer and a festive backdrop so visitors can have their photos taken.
Those interested in donating or volunteering can email their information or e-transfers to [email protected]. They can also call or text 705-330-2231.
Updates will be posted to the Quarantine-O-Ween Facebook event page.
