Volunteers Send More Than 1,000 Christmas Cards To Seniors Who Might Otherwise Receive None

November 25, 2025

Hundreds of seniors across the mid-Island region in British Columbia will receive a handwritten Christmas card this year — a small gesture that has become a powerful tradition thanks to the compassion of one woman and an army of volunteers.

Submitted by Christiana Conway

The project began in 2020, when Christiana Conway worried about seniors who were isolated during the pandemic. That first Christmas, she, her husband, and a close friend sat down to write cards for a few nearby care homes. The idea was simple — but the impact was huge.

“It was that first Christmas and everyone was talking about how lonely — especially seniors — would be,” Christiana said. “We thought we’d write some cards and drop them in, and it just grew from there.”

Grew is an understatement.

The first year brought in more than 300 cards. Five years later, the effort has delivered close to 3,000 cards, with nearly 100 volunteers now taking part through Oceanside Community Church and the surrounding community.

A Record-Breaking Year of Kindness

This year, Christiana originally aimed for around 800 cards — enough to cover about a dozen care homes and a palliative care unit. But the response overwhelmed even her expectations.

“With so much help, it looks like we’ll pass the 1,000 mark for the first time,” she told Sunny Skyz. “That means we can also send cards to several local crisis support, social housing, and disability programs!”

Cards will reach seniors and vulnerable residents in Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni, and Nanaimo — including dementia units and palliative care.

The need is very real. One care home manager recently told her that, due to a Canada Post strike, they weren’t sure if residents would receive any Christmas cards this year.

“At least they'll be getting one card from us,” Christiana said. “It’s so easy, but it can make such a difference.”

A Moment of Joy That Many Haven’t Felt in Years

Over the years, Christiana has received emotional messages from care homes about how deeply residents are touched by the cards.

“Some even cried because it meant so much to them that someone out there cared,” she said. “I get very excited thinking about the people who receive the cards, knowing it may be the only one they get.”

For Christiana, honoring seniors is personal:

“It’s so important to think of our elders and remember that someday we will be in their shoes.”

Strengthening the Community — One Card at a Time

Behind the scenes, the project takes months of planning. By mid-October, Christiana is already emailing care homes, gathering resident numbers, purchasing materials, assembling card-writing packets, and coordinating volunteer drop-offs.

Many volunteers turn the card writing into a community moment—inviting friends, family, neighbors, and even their children to help.

“Even before the cards reach the care homes, they’ve helped strengthen and connect our community,” she said. “My favorite part is when people get their kids involved. Once my son is a little older, I want him to be part of it too.”

Christiana Conway / @the.hope.post

How to Get Involved

Christiana welcomes anyone who wants to help — no minimum, no requirements, just willing hands and willing hearts.

“Anyone who would like to get involved can contact me directly on social media (@the.hope.post),” she said. “We also have a little community mailbox that needs handwritten cards year-round, not just for Christmas.”

For Christiana, this project is more than a holiday tradition — it’s a reminder of the power of simple kindness.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who shows up year after year,” she said. “It really does make a difference.”