Airdrie Community Links is helping to bring a smile to the faces of more than 300 seniors in the month of June.
The Sentiments for Seniors program started on April 21 when Community Links put a call out for cards and letters with encouraging messages on their social media channels.
The program closed on May 26 and cards were delivered to rural seniors’ homes in Crossfield and Beiseker on June 3 and the rest will be delivered to Airdrie seniors on the week of June 8.
“Not only would this benefit our seniors by reminding them we are thinking of them, but it might also bring a sense of purpose back to the community for people whose lives have been disrupted from the effects of COVID,” said Mikaela Insinger, senior support worker at Community Links.
The cards were dropped off in a box outside of the Airdrie Community Links building. Insinger screened the cards, separated them into delivery groups, and placed then in a “quarantine” until they could be delivered.
“I have received nothing but overwhelming gratitude from the staff at these senior homes. From what I am told, it really brings a sense of value and joy to the seniors who have received a card,” said Insinger.
“That, ultimately, was why I wanted to create a special project for our seniors – to remind them how valued they are in our community.”
She added that she was deeply touched by the messages in the cards that community members made.
One card from a child read, “I can’t wait to hug you again.”
“This echoes what a lot of us are feeling during this uncertain time,” she said.
“We need our community to lift us up.”
Insinger added that she would like to thank the community for the outpouring of support and kindness.
“To see the support a simple card or creative letter can bring during a time of great uncertainty means so much,” she said.
“It is important to be connecting through small acts of kindness when our world is so disconnected due to necessary isolation measures.”
stacie@frogmediainc.ca
