Global Animal Lovers (GALs) not only help animals in the local community, they also want to help you have a fun time this Halloween. That’s why Amber Brooks-Schick, one of GALs’ founders, is hosting a Halloween Howler, at her two-and-a-half acre property at 4950 Stoddart Creek Road in Invermere October 31.

“You don’t have to treat it as some big event, so that you can’t go trick-or-treating afterwards,” Brooks-Schick said. “Just think of it as another house on your route.”

Planned activities for the family-friendly event include various games, from apple-bobbing to a hay maze for kids to enjoy. There will also be pumpkin bowling and tarot card reading, among other activities, and professional photographers will be taking photos made available by nominal donation.

While donations are not required to visit the Howler, Brooks-Schick appreciates all forms of donations, large or small, to help fund the costs of running her animal shelter. As GALs takes in animals even from other shelters, there are ongoing costs for medical expenses, food and housing bills to consider. Brooks- Schick is also raising money at the event to help fund an animal shelter near Iqaluit in Nunavut.

“Come trick or treat and enjoy the festivities,” she said. “We’d like to make it a yearly thing, so each year we’re going to make it bigger and better.”