SEND SMILES AND SUNSHINE: BECOME A VOLUNTEER LETTER-WRITER TODAY!
Are you passionate about spreading joy and brightening someone's day? Do you enjoy writing friendly letters and want to join a virtual project? Are you looking for a team project or a meaningful event activity? Become a volunteer and make a meaningful difference for seniors in care homes and programs locally and across Canada.
WHAT WE DO
We’re a volunteer-run organization sending cheerful, personal, one-of-a-kind handwritten letters to seniors in Canada, the US, the UK and Australia. Since April 2020, we’ve delivered joy in over 30 languages worldwide!
WHAT WE OFFER
➙ A chance to brighten a senior’s day.
➙ Flexible volunteering from anywhere, anytime, year-round.
➙ Community service hour verification for students (separate registration required).
➙ Tips for writing meaningful letters.
➙ An inclusive environment welcoming all ages and abilities.
IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR VOLUNTEERS
➙ Write friendly, one-of-a-kind letters addressed to a “Friend.”
➙ Mail your letters to our partner facilities.
➙ Commit to a destination facility only after your letters are ready to mail.
➙ Facilities list refreshes every two weeks with new requests.
➙ Expenses include postage, writing materials, and envelopes (send multiple letters in one envelope to save on postage).
➙ Not a pen pal program—most seniors cannot reply.
➙ LAI has no staff, physical office or phone.
 Please email volunteer Lindsay for support.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
➙ Commit to writing letters regularly. Quality over quantity.
➙ Share personal stories to make your letters unique.
➙ Avoid sensitive topics like religion, health, politics and holidays.
➙ Focus on positivity and connection.
➙ Write in English or 30+ other languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese or Russian.
➙ Handcrafted cards are welcome but not required. Your handwritten message matters most!
➙ Organize group letter-writing activities or events with friends, coworkers, schools or libraries.
➙ Spread the word to friends, family and local senior centers.
➙ Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram.
WHY VOLUNTEER WITH US
➙ Send smiles to seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely.
➙ Be part of a compassionate, inclusive community.
➙ Experience the satisfaction of knowing your words make a difference.
GET STARTED
➙ Visit https://www.lettersagainstisolation.com/ and choose INDIVIDUAL, GROUP, EDUCATOR or STUDENT registration.
➙ Students seeking service credit: Review our guidelines, complete the student registration form and submit photos of your letters for verification. Earn one hour of credit for every four approved letters.
➙ Contact Lindsay if you have any questions.
Join us in spreading kindness and smiles to senior citizens. Your words will make all the difference!

Weekly visits to a client's home for a couple of hours to share activities, friendship and laughter 
 

Visit one-on-one with a resident * listen, chat and enjoy some time together

Assist with Recreation activities

Supporting members throughout a variety of events including:

• Art Workshops
• Dances
• Cooking Classes
• Weekend Cabin Retreats - at Camp Samac
• Bowling Nights 
• Dinner & Movie Nights

Duties during events include

• engaging with members in a friendly socializing role
• contributing to a positive, welcoming and inclusive environment by respecting all individuals including members, staff & volunteers from different walks of life and varied abilities
• promote appropriate life and social skills
• encourage members to participate in events through positive energy and participation
• assisting members to ensure they're included in programs i.e., holding knife while member places hand over top of yours to assist with cutting food items
• supporting staff in set up and clean up of events including: whiping down tables/counters, dishes, decorating, moving furniture, changing garbages etc. 

Provide positive one-on-one attention, guidance, and support to a child while at school; play sports, games, crafts, promote importance of staying in school and healthy relationships with family and peers 

One-on-one visit with senior * play games, assist with puzzles * read aloud

Actively recruiting volunteers 
 
Engage a resident in activities and conversation, one to one * participate in activities of personal interest and ability