Help us send messages of love and hope

We all love to receive cards in the mail. And in this time of COVID, it feels even more important to reach out to residents of long-term care homes, the staff, and hospice patients, and brighten their day with a positive word, and messages of hope.

Hospice Waterloo Region is pleased to announce our new Hands to Hearts greeting card initiative. We want to help reduce social isolation and loneliness and contribute to a feeling of wellbeing. And everyone in the community is invited to participate!

How do I participate?

If you’re interested in participating, please contact Heather to register and learn more: hsteinmann@hospicewaterloo.ca.

Once you are registered, all you have to do is fill out your card with a heartwarming message, and drop is off between March 22-26. There are drop-off locations in Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge. (Please check the FAQ for specific information).

When dropping off the cards:

Please leave the envelope unsealed
Place the cards in a clear plastic bag to ensure that the cards don’t get wet or dirty
And please label the bag with your name

And if you don’t have a card, we can drop one off to you! Please contact Alana at alana@hospicewaterloo.ca and to arrange a date and time for the drop off.

Guidelines:

Cards should include a positive, kind, sincere and joyful message
They should use inclusive and clear language
Messages should resonate with anyone
Please avoid religious messaging, as we want to keep the messaging as neutral as possible
Recommended greetings begin with: “Hi There, Hello!, Greetings!, Dear Friend or Hello Friend.”
Cards should be in large text, and avoid cursive writing
Cards should be signed using FIRST NAMES ONLY
They should be creative, so include colour!
Please avoid glitter, sequins, feathers
Please use writing materials that will not smear

FAQs

When and where do I drop off my finished cards and artwork?

We will be accepting finished cards and artwork the week of March 22 to March 26, 2021. There are three drop off locations:

The Gies Family Centre at 100 Solstice Way, Waterloo

Drop off times will be Monday March 22 – Fri, March 26, 2021 between the hours of 9:30am – 3:30pm.
A labelled bin will be placed outside main doors. Please leave your cards in the bin. There is parking on site and near the front entrance.

Full Circle Foods at 3 Charles Street West, Kitchener (on the corner of Charles Street West and Queen Street South)

Drop off times will be Monday, March 22 – Friday, March 26, 2021, between the hours of 10:00am – 7:00pm. Please give your cards to the cashiers and they will place in the drop off bin that will be kept behind the tills. There is a small parking on site and additional parking on Charles Street.

Langs at 1145 Concession Road (corner of Concession Rd. and Langs Dr.)

Drop off will be on Thursday, March 25, between the hours of 9:30am – 3:30pm.

The drop off bin be kept at the ‘screening table’, which is located just inside the main doors, past the pharmacy and in the main hallway. There will be a Langs staff member at the table. Please let them know that you are there to drop off cards for HWR.

When dropping off the cards:

Please leave the envelope unsealed
Place the cards in a clear plastic bag to ensure that the cards don’t get wet or dirty
And please label the bag with your name

What if those drop-off dates and times don't work for me?

If drop off dates and time do not work for you, please contact us and we will make alternative arrangements. You can contact Alana at alana@hospicewaterloo.ca or Yesenia at yesenia@hospicewaterloo.ca.

I would like to participate, but need some blank cards and supplies. Who do I contact to make arrangements?

If you would like some materials delivered to you, please contact Alana at alana@hospicewaterloo.ca and we will arrange a date and time for the drop off.

Is this a one-time project or can I keep making and submitting cards?

Since this is the first time running this project, we wanted to start small and with a goal of 1,000 cards. Our long-term goal is to deliver cards to all twelve LTC homes on our vigil list, so we will need more cards. If you would like to keep making and submitting more cards, they are more than welcomed.
After all the finished cards have been received on March 26, 2021, we will send out an update on how many more cards needed.

Can you suggest sample wording?

Examples for residents of LTC:

“Sending you good health and comfort during this trying time. We will get through this together, as a community. Just remember you are not alone in this. Stay Safe!”

“Thinking of you…Caring about you…Wishing you strength and peace.”

“Just wanted to say hello and tell you that I am thinking of you and sending you a big hug. May your day be filled with all kinds of bright sunny things. Keep smiling!”

Examples for LTC staff:

“Thank you so much for your dedication to protecting the health of our community during this pandemic. Due to your courage, strength, and selflessness you have inspired and instilled hope within our community. You are appreciated. Thank you so much for everything you do!”

“You have my support and heartfelt appreciation for all you do. We are deeply grateful for all the sacrifices that you and your family are making. Thank you for your strength, courage and dedication. We see you and are thinking of you!”

Examples for HWR clients:

I hope this card brightens your day. I know that even without a pandemic, you’ve have had a rough year. I want you to know that I care about you and that you are not alone. I am sending you positive energy and love in this card. Every time you open it, I hope you feel the warmth. Enjoy every moment that you can. Wishing you all the best.

“Sending you positive thoughts and well wishes during this challenging time. Stay well and remember to reach out to supports if you need it! We are all in this together! Have an amazing day.”