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Sunday, June 10, 2007

Light Party™ offers free membership
Halloween alternative spreading round the world

By Lavinia Ngatoko in Challenge Weekly, New Zealand
Special to ASSIST News Service

AUCKLAND, NZ (ANS) -- A Christian organisation that encourages and supports groups to run a positive alternative to trick or treating at Halloween is now offering free membership on its website in a bid to get more groups to participate in the event.

 

NO TRICKS ... only treats: Light Party director and founder Wendy Reid hands out lollies at a light party at Auckland’s Ngaire Ave Bible Chapel.

The Light Party Inc has dropped the small fee it has charged over the past three years to register as a Light Party host in order to make the resources more widely available.

 

Wendy Reid, creator of the original Light Party, says the Light Party trademarked brand has built up a great following and is a credible alternative to trick or treating at Halloween.

 

“Now, we hope a wider variety of groups will join the Light Party family and offer a positive, safe, family celebration on October 31,” said Mrs Reid.

 

Light Party is on target to support community groups in New Zealand and internationally this year. Last year more than 120 NZ churches and groups - and more than 30 overseas - ran Light Party events.

 

Mrs Reid said the website had been updated for this year to allow for free membership and use of the resources.

 

"We are hoping that community groups and churches all over the world catch the vision to turn October 31 into a celebration of good things because the community needs it.

 

"Light Party is not just an alternative to the negative aspects of Halloween, it's something much better. It's promoting life and light on the darkest of days, October 31."

 

Mrs Reid said many parents were not happy about the negative influence and practices of Halloween and were looking for a positive alternative.

 

Many were relieved when their local church or community group provided a safe, fun place for children to bring their friends and family.

 

Light Party provides resources, support, networking, branding and marketing for groups that are Light Party members. Members are responsible for and conduct their own Light Party events and use the Light Party name and resources as they wish.

 

Groups interested in running a Light Party are encouraged to start planning now for their event. The website is

www.lightparty.org.nz; the email wendy@lightparty.org.nz

 

Lavinia Ngatoko reports for Challenge Weekly, New Zealand’s independent and non-denominational Christian newspaper
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