Send a Letter to the Elderly
It is important to support our elders during these perilous times
Due to the recent pandemic, senior homes have been in lockdown for the safety of their residents, however, facing this virus can be hard for the elderly while being completely isolated from their family.
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Isolation can lead to loneliness which can lead to a decline in physical and mental health
According to a study done by researchers at the University of California San Francisco lonely seniors have a 59% higher risk of physical and mental health decline, and a 45% greater risk of death
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However, a small act of kindness, such as writing a letter and/or drawing a picture can bring a smile and hopefully ease feelings of loneliness
Want to Send a Letter ?
With each letter you send, we'll pair it with a Care Package!
​Instructions Regarding Sending a Letter
Due to the pandemic, we understand it might be difficult to physically send letters, so we are going to be operating the Letters to Seniors Project digitally...
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Letters can be typed and sent to our email at lettersandsmiles@gmail.com
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You can choose a template and attach pictures or drawings in that email
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Letters can be written, but they will need to be scanned (or you can take a clear picture of the letter) and sent to our email at lettersandsmiles@gmail.com
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You can attach pictures or drawings to this email
Please choose a large font and/or write large and legibly
You can send in a drawing too! Please write a short sentence along with your drawing for the elders!
After you send these letters to our email, we will print them, seal them in an envelope and give them to the elderly in various long-term care homes.
Guidelines for Letter Writing
Do's
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Feel free to follow our template below
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Please write general letters! You may not receive a response!
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Be friendly and considerate
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Feel free to talk about hobbies, interests, goals, fun facts, positive and thoughtful messages!
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Please type your letter or email us to send us your handwritten letter.
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Go ahead and Include pictures, drawings etc. (Please include a few sentences with your drawing!)
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Please write in font 14
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1-page minimum. (Please do not send 1 - 2 sentences) - no double space
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4 pages maximum
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Limit the pictures, drawing etc. to 2-4
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Please stick to English only
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Don'ts​
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Exclude writing a date
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Avoid Religion so your letter can be addressed to anyone
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Do not greet with Dear "Old People," "Oldie," "Old-timer," "grandpa/ma" etc.
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Don't talk about stereotypes (walking sticks, poor eyesight, back pain etc.)
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Don't type your letter on your phone, it might not reach the minimum requirements for length!
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Do not double space your letter
To Seniors:
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(1)Hello / Hi there / Dear
(2) How are you? 3) Tell them your name (4) where are you from? (5) Tell them your hobbies, your favourite books, favourite video game, favorite movie (6) Talk about your goals/aspirations
Describe your day, the weather, your favourite quote and what you are learning
(7) Talk about your day, the weather, your favourite quote, joke or riddle (8) Ask how their day is, the weather or any other questions
(8) Leave a greeting
(9) Your name