Some Operation Halloween Horowhenua participants go to a lot of effort to entertain their trick or treaters. Photo / Supplied
Some Operation Halloween Horowhenua participants go to a lot of effort to entertain their trick or treaters. Photo / Supplied
One Agency realtor Gay Leahy has never been a huge fan of Halloween herself, but wanted to help create a safe environment for local children to "trick or treat" in.
Six years ago she took over a Facebook group another friend had started and so began Operation Halloween Horowhenua.
"Ialso wanted to help the older members of our community feel safe,' Leahy said, "as having strangers knocking on your door at night can be a worry [for them]."
The concept is pretty simple - if people are keen for trick or treaters at Halloween, they place an orange balloon on their letterbox.
Leahy is happy to supply the orange balloons if needed and, being mindful of Covid this year, has even offered to print QR codes out for participating houses to put on their gate or front door.
Keen participants in Operation Halloween Horowhenua in 2020. Photo / Supplied
"It's all about letting the kids enjoy themselves safely so we list addresses of those houses we know are participating, if they are happy to share that information, and tell parents to keep their eye out for the orange balloons as well."
Some of the regulars have already let Leahy know they're getting ready to be visited again this year, with one saying she will be bagging up the sweets to keep them safer.
"The number of houses taking part has doubled over the past few years … there were approximately 25 involved in 2020, with a good spread around town."
Some really get into the whole theme, dressing their house and grounds up, so Leahy heads around town taking photos a few days before the big day to share on the Operation Halloween Horowhenua page.
"I also update the address list during the afternoon and evening of the 31st as houses run out of sweets."
Gay Leahy, a local real estate agent, creating a safe trick or treating environment for the community through her Facebook group Operation Halloween Horowhenua. Photo / Supplied
Leahy said she has never had any negative feedback about the concept and that everyone who comments has said how much they and their children love knowing where to go and who's happy to have them knock on the door.
If you are keen to be a house visited by goblins, ghosts, and princesses 'trick or treating' on Halloween night, you can get in touch with Gay Leahy on 027 224 2829 or message her through the group page https://www.facebook.com/operationhalloweenhorowhenua.
