Hundreds of children in Saint John experienced the fun of Halloween a week early. The Special Needs and Accessible ‘Trunk or Treat’ event returned on Saturday for its sixth year at TD Station. Charlene Perry created the event for families who have certain mobility or sensory challenges going door-to-door on Halloween night. “I have a daughter with autism, and she loved to dress up, but she had a really hard time going to strangers’ homes,” says Perry. “I knew I wasn’t the only parent who struggled with Halloween.” Perry says demand and community support for the event has grown each year, with 2026 being the biggest year yet. “I’ve received nothing but the most positive feedback,” she says. About 300 children registered for this year’s event, with volunteers handing out chips and candy from nearly 50 decorated vehicles. Danielle Blizzard, co-founder of the not-for-profit ‘Safe with Sage’ (named after her daughter), rents space a couple times each month for children with autism and their support teams. Blizzard says the ‘Trunk or Treat’ event embodies the spirit of inclusion in the community. “It’s a beautiful event, it really shows everyone coming together,” says Blizzard. “It’s really lovely to just be amongst everyone who gets it.” For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
