Letters Against Isolation

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Activities involved

Community Outreach Companion/Visitor ESL Support or Instruction Letter Writing Peer Support Social Work Translation Volunteer Coordination Writing

Skills required

Bilingual Copy Writing ESL Event Coordination Graphic Design Patient Care Sharing Personal Experience Social Media Teaching Tutoring Visiting Volunteer Engagement

Requirements:

Other

Also required for this position: Visit our website at https://www.lettersagainstisolation.com/ and choose the registration option that applies to you: • individual • student (for anyone requesting community service hour verification, including student clubs) • group

Languages Needed:

Write in one of 30 different languages: English, French, Arabic, Assyrian, Bengali, Chinese, Croatian, Dari, Dutch, Finnish, German, Greek, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Iranian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Slovakian, Spanish, Tagalog, Telugu, Thai, Ukrainian, Vietnamese (subject to change)

Work remotely
Flexible in schedule
Good for families
Good for groups
Good for youth

Volunteer from Home - Write friendly letters to senior citizens in aged care facilities and programs

Ongoing

SEND SMILES AND SUNSHINE - BECOME A VOLUNTEER LETTER-WRITER TODAY!
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 Canada and around the world with your handwritten letters.

WHAT WE DO
We’re an all-volunteer organization that mails cheerful, personal, handwritten letters and cards to elders in care facilities and senior programs. Since April 2020, our dedicated volunteers have sent countless letters and cards in 30 languages, spreading joy and connection around the globe!

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. Choose your own schedule.
• 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!

IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR VOLUNTEERS
• Ideal volunteer: Writes unique, friendly, conversational letters to connect with the reader and make them feel special.
• You’ll mail your handwritten letters to one of our partner facilities.
• Expenses: Postage, writing materials, envelopes. You can send multiple letters in one large envelope to save on postage.
• You won’t know the name of the reader. Address letters as “Dear Friend.”
• 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.

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 wishes, as they can come across as impersonal when overused.
• Focus on sharing a bit about yourself to make each letter unique and special. Seniors tell us that this personal part is their favorite!
• Our partner facilities in Canada are requesting letters in 14 different languages: English, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Tagalog/Filipino and Tamil.
• Create a group activity for your friends or coworkers.
• Partner with a public library or service organization to host an event.
• Post our flyer on social media and community bulletin boards at libraries, cafes, bookstores, stationery and craft stores, and apartment complexes.

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. -OR-
• When you apply through Volunteer Connector, we'll automatically register you. (If you change your mind, you can unsubscribe using the link at the end of our weekly newsletter.)
• 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!