Sep22
After considerable efforts by Youth HQ leadership and the event planning committee, the Boys & Girls Club Zed Haunted House fundraiser will not run this year. The loss of the high-profile annual event scarefest represents a loss in $100,000 of annual fundraising revenues, supporting youth across central Alberta.
“This decision was guided by our top priority to ensure the health and safety of all those who help make the event a success every year – not just staff, but adult and youth volunteers as well as spectators,” said Rob Lewis, Executive Director of Youth HQ. “
The decision ultimately came down to gathering and safety restrictions as a result of COVID-19. Organizers feel these challenges, among others, simply would not allow for the quality of show central Albertans have come to expect from the annual frightful fundraiser.
“This wasn’t an easy decision,” stated John Johnston, Community Engagement Manager for Youth HQ. “The funds we raise from this event support Boys & Girls Club operations every year. It’s a tough blow, however the health and safety of everyone involved trumps all those considerations.”
Johnston says a bigger and better Haunted House event will mark the 30th anniversary of Red Deer’s Most Fatal Attraction in October 2021.
Youth HQ is planning a few smaller alternative events this year to help offset the loss in revenues, including the Halloween Howl Poker Run on October 31st and a Fright Night Drive-In movie series during the last 2 weeks of October. More details are still to come, watch our social media for more details in the coming days.
Youth HQ would like to acknowledge our incredibly creative and dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters during these challenging times, who have worked diligently to find alternative means of fundraising in these unique circumstances.