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PROJECT “PAN PALS” LAUNCHES

CONNECTING GENERATIONS DURING PHYSICAL DISTANCING

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve, strict social distancing measures have been put in place to protect our community. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kincardine & District is launching a unique project to bring smiles to Long Term Care residents and other community seniors who are unable to have visitors during this time. Therefore, we are asking their Littles and agency family to step up and be a “Pan Pal” (pandemic pen pal) to a local senior in Kincardine and area.

Physical distancing and visitor restrictions are an important step to prevent the spread of this disease but can be an incredibly lonely time for seniors. By writing letters to local seniors, we can let them know we are thinking about them. Now is the time for us to come together to support each other any way we can.

This creative project will not only give our Littles something to do, but also supports our vulnerable community members which is something BBBSKD has been striving to do since launching our inter-generational mentoring campaign last fall. It is a simple way to bring joy to others during this uncertain time while providing positive mentorship opportunities to continue across all generations

If you are interested in participating, please read our Guidelines below:

WHO CAN WRITE A LETTER:

Any mentee (Little) and/or their mentor or family members. BBBS staff members can also participate in this campaign.

HOW TO WRITE A LETTER:

For a more old-school pen pal experience, handwritten notes are encouraged. However, to prevent exposure to germs, the handwritten letters must be scanned and sent to the facility by email, BBBS staff will coordinate this.

WHAT TO PUT IN THE LETTER:

It is up to you how much personal information you want to include or not include in your letter.

But here are some ideas of what you could write about:

  1. Describe a little about yourself; your likes, dislikes, favourite subjects, activities
  2. Tell them about your mentor and what sort of things you do with your mentor and how it has changed your life.
  3. Talk about how you are passing the days while not in school.
  4. Ask about them – what do they like to do, do they have grandchildren etc.
  5. Share an encouraging message, a poem or quote
  6. Ask them who their heroes or mentors were when they were growing up (tell them about yours) and,
  7. What life advice would they pass along to kids today.
HOW TO ADDRESS THE LETTER:

Since we don’t know what resident will receive the letter, start the letter with Dear Friend, until you get a note back with their name. You can sign off the letter with your first name only or if you prefer, your friend at BBBS Kincardine.

FOR MORE DETAILS AND INSTRUCTIONS, CONTACT:

Deirdre Carroll, Mentoring Coordinator

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kincardine & District

deirdre.carroll@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca