The Callander and East Ferris public libraries have teamed up to spread the love to local seniors this Valentine’s Day, and residents are encouraged to contribute.
Both libraries have put together card kits containing “everything you need to make a valentine.” The kits are free for all, and once you’ve picked one up, take it home, craft your card at your leisure, and return it to the library.
As the big day nears, library staff will deliver the cards to residents at Nipissing Manor to spread some cheer on Valentine’s Day.
“It’s a really fun initiative,” said Melissa Sones, Callander library’s CEO. “We were planning on doing it last year,” but Covid put the brakes on that plan. They have the go-ahead this year from the health unit, and look forward to launching the event, which if all goes well, might become an annual tradition.
Anyone can take part in the card making—it’s not just for kids—Sones emphasized. “It’s supposed to be a fun activity for everyone,” and the library has already had to make a second batch of kits. With one of the local schools expressing interest in participating, a third batch might be in the cards.
“We knew from talking to people in the community that everyone is looking to share some joy and kindness right now,” Sones said.
“Creating Valentine’s for our local senior residents seemed like it would satisfy that need. We did not expect the program to be as popular as it has been!”
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
