Letters Against Isolation (Volunteer From Home: Write friendly, conversational letters to senior citizens in aged care facilities and programs)

Organization Name: Letters Against Isolation
Opportunity Title: Volunteer From Home: Write friendly, conversational letters to senior citizens in aged care facilities and programs
Category: Social and Community Service
Commitment: 6 months to 1 year, Ongoing Opportunity (> 1 year), One Day / Special Event
Start Date: July 12, 2024
End Date: December 31, 2030

Email: lindsay@lettersagainstisolation.com
Website: https://www.lettersagainstisolation.com/
Details:

• Appropriate for youth (i.e., less than 18)
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over
• Family-oriented volunteering

Opportunity Description:

JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER LETTER-WRITING TEAM!

Are you passionate about spreading joy and brightening someone’s day? Do you have a knack for writing heartfelt letters? Join our dedicated team of volunteers and make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors in aged care homes in St. John’s, Baie Verte and Grand Falls-Windsor.

WHAT WE DO

We’re an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that mails cheerful, personal, handwritten letters and cards to elders in care facilities and senior programs across Canada, the US, the UK and Australia. Since April 2020, tens of thousands of volunteers have sent nearly one million pieces of correspondence in 30 languages!

WHAT WE OFFER

• A chance to make a direct and positive impact on the lives of seniors.
• Flexibility to volunteer from anywhere, anytime, year-round as an individual or with a team.
• A special program to verify service hours for students and professionals seeking community service credits. (Separate registration is required.)
• Tips and guidance for crafting personal and meaningful letters available on our website and social media platforms.
• An inclusive environment where volunteers are encouraged to share their own uplifting stories and experiences without making assumptions about the recipient’s background or abilities.
• All ages and abilities are welcome!

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Join our team of volunteers and commit to writing letters on an ongoing basis.
• While handcrafted cards are welcome, they are not required; your handwritten message is what matters most.
• Limit affirmations and general well wishes.
• Focus on sharing a bit about yourself to make each letter unique and special. Seniors tell us that these personal stories their favorite part of the letter!
• Avoid sensitive topics such as religion, holidays, health and politics.
• Our partner facilities in Canada are requesting letters in 10 different languages: English, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian.
• Create a group activity for your friends, employees, classroom or club members.
• Team up with a public library to host a letter-writing event.

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH US

• Make a direct and tangible difference in the lives of seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive community dedicated to spreading kindness and compassion.
• Experience connection and satisfaction that comes from knowing your words have the power to bring joy and comfort to someone you’ve never met.

GET STARTED

• Register on our website as an individual, student, or group to receive our weekly newsletter with updates and access to our web portal: https://www.lettersagainstisolation.com/
• STUDENTS: Please complete the separate student registration using a personal email address.
• Stock up on postage stamps and write some friendly letters. When you’re ready to mail them, log into our web portal and choose a destination facility.
• Find us on social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook.

Join us in spreading kindness and smiles to senior citizens. Your words will make all the difference!

Additional info: This is not a pen pal program; while you may occasionally receive a response, most seniors don’t have the physical ability or resources to write back to you. We have no staff, physical office or phone. Please email volunteer Lindsay for support.