Write Letters to Seniors from Home

Smile Carrier is looking for volunteers to create thoughtful letters, cards, drawings, or kind messages for seniors who may be feeling isolated or alone.

This is a flexible opportunity that can be completed from home. Volunteers can write about themselves, share a joke, riddle, story, memory, or words of encouragement, or create artwork. Letters are submitted to Smile Carrier and then mailed or delivered to seniors.

High school students may use this opportunity for community service hours. Hours will be reviewed to ensure they are reasonable for the work completed.

WHAT CAN VOLUNTEERS DO TO MAKE A SENIOR SMILE?
We want all letters to stay kind, cheerful, general, and uplifting.
Volunteers can write a letter, card, or note that includes:
● something about themselves
● their school, hobbies, or interests
● words of encouragement
● a joke, riddle, or short story
● a memory or positive message
● artwork, drawings, or other flat items that can fit in an envelope
● or anything thoughtful that could make someone smile!

Letters can be handwritten, typed, or written on a blank card. Volunteers may also print copies and make more than one.
Please make sure letters are kind, caring, non-seasonal, and not dated so they can be mailed at any time of year.

EXAMPLE OF WHAT A LETTER COULD INCLUDE
Hi! I hope that you are having a great day. My name is ________ and l am ________ years old. I am in grade ________. Did you enjoy high school? It's been a little scary starting hìgh school, but I find that there is always a reason to smile during the day. I have a cat named Tic Tac that makes me laugh. I taught him to shake paw and roll over on command just like a dog! In my spare time, I like to paint and draw. I made a watercolour sunflower for you. Sunflowers are the symbol of happiness! I hope you like it. 
Here is a joke or riddle for you: ________
All the best to you and I hope you have a nice day!
Sincerely,
________


PREPARING THE LETTER
1. Place the letter or card in an envelope.
2. Please do not write anything on the envelope and do not seal it.
3. Add a Canadian stamp on the outside. If you can’t provide a stamp, no worries — Smile Carrier can add one after submission.
4. Leave the address area blank. Smile Carrier will add the recipient’s mailing address.
5. Attach to your bundle of letters: your email and the number of hours you spent.
6. Include your school community involvement form filled in so it can be signed.

VOLUNTEER HOURS
If you are requesting volunteer hours, please keep track of the time you spend creating your work. The time will depend on the amount of care and detail involved.

As a rough guideline, a detailed card with a written message and artwork may take about 30 minutes.

Once letters are received, Smile Carrier will review the hours requested to ensure they are reasonable for the work completed. Forms can then be signed and returned by email.

DROP-OFF LOCATION
Letters can be dropped off at:
Smile Carrier
4380 South Service Road, Upper Unit 6
Burlington, ON L7L 5Y6
Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Unit 6 is labelled Desjardins / TechElectric.
Look for the box inside the door to deposit your letters.

MAILING OPTION
If you are too far from the drop-off location, you are welcome to mail your completed letters instead. If you are writing multiple letters, you can bundle them into one large stamped envelope to save on postage.
Please email Smile Carrier for next steps before mailing, as the mailing address is different from the drop-off location.

HOW ELSE CAN I HELP?
● Ask businesses to donate stamps. Do you know of anyone who would donate a roll of stamps?
● Help with social media, photos, or writing posts
● Follow, like, and share Smile Carrier on Instagram and Facebook

KNOW SOMEONE WHO COULD USE A SMILE?
If you would enjoy receiving kind mail, or if you know someone whose day we can brighten with mail, please submit a recipient request through our website or email us.

CONTACT
Email: smilecarrier3@gmail.com
Instagram: @smile.carrier
Facebook: Smile Carrier
Website: https://smilecarrier.ca/
Thank you for helping brighten someone’s day through thoughtful mail. 💌