More than 3,400 Christmas cards are being designed and written by Langley students for local seniors to receive a little holiday cheer.
Lynda Fourchalk, the Langley Volunteer Bureau card program coordinator, said there are 80 teachers in 43 schools taking part, and some teachers have ordered for more than one class.
RC Garnet Elementary itself has 16 different classrooms making cards, she noted.
New youth groups are also participating this year including Job's Daughters, Nurturing Hearts Montessori, and Pebbles and Piglet Early Learning where kids as young as one-year-old will be making cards.
The deadline to submit a senior to the Langley Volunteer Bureau to receive a card is Dec. 12, and can be done online at langleyvolunteers.ca.
"I haven't seen any winter cards yet, but was amazed at the Remembrance Day cards. The students and youth never disappoint, the artwork is amazing and the messages are heartfelt," Fourchalk told The Star.
Cards will be delivered to 25 facilities including the Aldergrove legion branch, Langley Meals on Wheels, Langley Senior Resource Society, Ron Cares Society, and the Langley Memorial Hospital. Fourchalk said cards will also be dropped off to most senior residences.
This Christmas marks the fifth year of the program by the Aldergrove-based bureau.
Teachers are encouraged to include their classroom and school to the cards, so seniors can write back.
“Some seniors like to write thank-you notes and that has resulted in a couple pen pal situations where they kept in touch,” Fourchalk shared.
"Many students hope for a response. They ask questions and say how much they'd love to hear back."
The program started during the pandemic to help combat the isolation some seniors were facing.
Fourchalk said it has continued “because it’s just been so well received by teachers, students, and the [senior] facilities.”
Cards have also been sent out on Easter, Valentine’s Day, and Remembrance Day.
"The Cards for Seniors Program is loved by all sides... It's a feel-good project for us all, and Langley Volunteer Bureau is proud to sponsor the project," Fourchalk said.
Langley Volunteer Bureau, also known as ‘Langley Volunteers’, is now a registered charity, formed to promote the value of volunteering and to connect volunteers in the community with organizations who need them.
Anyone who would like to register a senior or volunteer with the program can email cardsforseniors@langleyvolunteers.ca or visit langleyvolunteers.ca.
