Joy on the cards for our seniors

Did you know there are only 51 sleeps until Christmas? Eek! For most of us who celebrate Christmas, it’s about spending time with our Whanau and friends, eating, drinking and being merry. Many share gifts and cards to let those important to us know we are thinking of them and we care.

Last year, Christmas came with some restrictions but most of us still managed to spend time with our loved ones. However, our kaumatua in rest homes in our district were still facing strict lockdowns and were unable to accept visitors.

This brought about the Happy Mail project by Libraries Horowhenua. This initiative would see every one of our 413 rest home residents receive a card, hand made with love, by members of our community.

For some, it will have been the only card received. While this is heartbreaking to think of, it is also heart-warming to know our community helped to provide a small memento of acknowledgment to our special, older people.

This year, when most of us are enjoying even more freedom, many of our rest homes will have to continue with reduced visiting hours and mask requirements.

Therefore, this year, we are doing it again and we’d love your help. We are setting up “Crafternoons” every Tuesday in the main space at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom and at Shannon library. Please come along and make a card, or pick up some resources and get crafty at home.

There are no rules, cards can be as simple or as elaborate as you like but please leave a warm message and your signature inside.

There will be mailboxes stationed at each local library where you can drop off your card when complete.

So come on Horowhenua, share the news about our Happy Mail project with friends and whanau and let’s spread some joy this Christmas.