Since 2011, the Alberta Ghostbusters have supported charities throughout the province. From May 24-26, members will be at the Lethbridge Entertainment and Collector Expo.
“We are nerds with a cause,” says President Mario Giguere. “We like to wear our Ghostbusters uniforms and display our props, while supporting charitable causes in Alberta.”
The organization is a non-profit society that supports the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation in the north and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation for the events the group attends south of Red Deer, including Lethbridge.
“Our group is based across Alberta,” adds Giguere, which includes southern Alberta. “We’re spread out just about everywhere.”
There’s a lot more interest in “Ghostbusters” now, than there was five or six years ago, says Giguere. Especially with the release of “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” this year and the last film, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” being filmed in various locales in Alberta, including in Fort Macleod. “That’s really brought a lot of attention to our group. We love hearing the stories about how the filming has affected people’s communities.”
“Even when we were starting, I think people would recognize ‘Ghostbusters’ and you can see the enthusiasm on their faces. You’ll hear people yelling out, ‘Who ya gonna call?’ when you’re wearing your uniform. It always cracks a smile. I think the best part is when we are attending our events. It’s just to see the excitement it puts on kids’ faces and when we do hospital visits, as well. It helps to brighten people’s day,” adds Giguere.
At events, Alberta Ghostbusters merchandise is available to purchase and at some of the larger events, raffles are available, as well.
“All proceeds go to that children’s hospital we’re supporting,” says Giguere.
The group would also like to attend more community parades this summer and moving forward to spread the word and love for all things “Ghostbusters.”
“We’re starting to do some in smaller communities,” notes Giguere, with some members attending a parade in Barnwell this summer. “It’s always good to keep an eye out for us.”
This year, the group’s objective was to raise $20,000 for the two children’s hospitals, says Giguere. “With the release of ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ in March, as well as an Oil Kings game we did in Edmonton at the start of March and with the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo in April, we’ve already raised $22,000 for the charities and we haven’t even launched into some of the bigger events we do over the year. We’ve already had our best fundraising year and we’re just starting. We’re quite proud of that.”
Since 2016, the Alberta Ghostbusters have raised over $100,000 for the two hospitals.
For more information, to donate or to join the group visit online at albertaghostbusters.ca.