91原创 students have taken the issue of isolated seniors into their own hands by creating handmade cards.
鈥淎s a child, I always looked forward to visiting my grandparents and spending time with them; some of my best childhood memories are created with them,鈥� said Alice He, a R.E. Mountain Secondary student. 鈥淗owever, since the pandemic, spending time with seniors has been very limited for people everywhere, as seniors are one of the most vulnerable groups of people.鈥�
Alice started the Handmade Cards Project 鈥渢o bring happiness to those most vulnerable鈥� [and] bring everyone together to spread positivity in [the] community.鈥�
鈥淭hrough this project I also hope to be able to show everyone that we can all help make a difference with the abilities we have, as long as we are determined and willing to make a change,鈥� she said.
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Alice recruited six other volunteers, including students from R.E. Mountain Secondary, among others, to create bright-coloured cards with positive messages for seniors at 91原创 Seniors Village.
鈥淭he number of people who have expressed interest in this project has been increasing everyday, so there will likely be many more people I will be working with,鈥� Alice said.
She made arrangements with the facility to isolate the cards for 14 days before sharing them with the seniors.
鈥�91原创 Seniors Village approved of this project and seemed to be just as excited as I am to share this happiness with the seniors,鈥� Alice said.
The handcrafted designs include watercoloured pictures of flowers, scenery, or pop-up cards with an uplifting message inside such as, 鈥淵ou are loved!鈥� or 鈥淗ope you have an amazing day!鈥�
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Alice said the group has already received positive feedback from residents and staff.
鈥淚 felt that someone really cares about me,鈥� said one resident.
鈥淭hese are so artistic and lovely. So colourful and vibrant,鈥� said another.
The organizer would like to see its influence grow.
鈥淚 hope this project can encourage everyone to incorporate helping others into their own daily schedule, whether that be leading in change-making projects or simply writing a card to show your appreciation for someone in your life,鈥� Alice said.
The seniors village is working to display images and a biography of each student participating in the project, she added.
鈥淚 am hoping to organize and take part in this project for as long as I can, probably until I move for university at the end of next summer,鈥� Alice noted. 鈥淗owever, I do hope that young people will continue to show their support for seniors, whether that be through making cards or spending time with them when possible.鈥�
Visit @handmadecardsproject on Instagram to keep up to date with the project.
joti.grewal@blackpress.ca
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