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!

The Peer Support Volunteer plays a vital role in providing compassionate, empathetic support to individuals and families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. Volunteers offer a listening ear, shared understanding, and companionship on the grief journey, creating a safe space for bereaved individuals to express their feelings, share memories, and receive validation from someone who “gets it.” By joining our team, you’ll help ensure that no one has to grieve alone.

Responsibilities:

• Provide emotional support through one-on-one phone calls, online meetings, or in-person (as appropriate) to individuals who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss.
• Listen actively, showing empathy and compassion, and creating a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to share their grief.
• Share your own experiences in a supportive and respectful manner, when appropriate, to help normalize and validate the individual’s feelings.
• Support participants in finding resources and encourage self-care practices that align with their unique grief journey.
• Communicate and collaborate with PAIL Network staff, sharing updates as needed while respecting the privacy and confidentiality of participants.
• Complete initial and ongoing training to enhance skills, including workshops on grief, trauma-informed care, and cultural sensitivity.

Qualifications:

• Personal experience with pregnancy or infant loss and a desire to support others going through similar experiences.
• Excellent listening and communication skills, with the ability to provide empathetic, non-judgmental support.
• Respect for confidentiality and boundaries, with an understanding of the importance of privacy in peer support relationships.
• Ability to commit to regular volunteer sessions, showing reliability and consistency.
• Willingness to participate in training, supervision, and support meetings as needed.

Training and Support:

• Comprehensive training on topics such as grief, trauma-informed care, effective communication, and cultural sensitivity.
• Ongoing support from PAIL Network staff and access to additional training opportunities.
• Regular check-ins and debriefing sessions to support volunteers in their role.

If you have experienced pregnancy or infant loss and feel called to support others on their grief journey, we encourage you to apply. By sharing your understanding, compassion, and empathy, you can help ensure that bereaved individuals know they are not alone.

one-to-one or group volunteer opportunities available

• Palliative Care Volunteer
• Grief & Bereavement Volunteer
• Fundraising Initiatives, Events and Community Awareness Volunteer
• Administrative Support Volunteer
• VON DHS Community Corporation (VON CC)