Mars Canada survey finds gap in Halloween accessibility

Mars Canada released its second annual Spooktacular trend report. Based on a sample of 1,000 Canadians, it found that 54% of Canadians planning to celebrate Halloween will hand out candy. 

Of those surveyed, 20% are “confident in creating set-ups that meet the needs of guests with physical and sensory barriers.” 

Mars Canada is supporting Treat Accessibly to help make Halloween celebrations inclusive for Canadians through a donation of 11,000+ pounds of candy and pet treats to Treat Accessibly's annual Halloween villages.

This will mark the first-year pet treats from Pedigree and Temptations will be provided to include service animals. 

Treat Accessibility North America is a grassroots organization dedicated to accessible trick-or-treating for children.

"Thanks to Mars' donation, we're ensuring this year's Halloween Villages will be our most inclusive yet," says Rich Padulo, co-founder of Treat Accessibly North America. "From barrier-free trick-or-treating to treats for pets, we're thrilled to help communities experience the magic of Halloween together."

"At Mars, Halloween is core to our business, with planning starting years in advance to capture the excitement and evolving traditions Canadians love," says Ellen Thompson, minister of trick-or-treat and general manager, Mars Wrigley Canada, in a press release. "Halloween is about bringing communities together, and we want every host to feel confident creating celebrations where everyone feels welcome, people and pets alike."