Content
Skip to Main ContentAccessibility Help
Kitchener-Waterloo·Photos

These heartwarming holiday cards from thousands of children will find their way to seniors

For those living alone, the holidays can be hard. So the Waterloo Public Library has been collecting cards for older adults in the community who might be feeling isolated this holiday — and their messages will make you smile.

People can drop off cards at library's main branch on Albert Street in Waterloo, Ont., until Dec. 17

CBC News ·
These hand made cards will be distributed to long term care homes across the region over the holidays to help seniors feel loved and appreciated. (Carmen Groleau/CBC)

Abby Huo and Chloe Budakian want to make sure seniors in the community know that they're loved and appreciated this holiday season — so they'll be delivering thousands of cards to older adults that they've collected through their local library.

Reading through the cards, it's impossible not to smile. Shaky handwriting gives away the age of a kindergartner, but it's the bright colours and kind messages that shine through.

Abby and Chloe belong to the Teen Events Team at the Waterloo Public Library, which is where they brainstormed ideas on to help older adults who might be lonely this season.

"COVID can be a really isolating time, especially during the holidays" Abby said. 

The teens initially hoped to collect 1,000 cards, but more than double that amount have already been dropped off by the community and local schools, who added a few extras like handmade ornaments. 

This is one of several watercolour cards that were dropped off by a woman and her daughter, Mariah Baldasaro said. It's one of thousands that will make its way to seniors over the holidays. (Carmen Groleau/CBC)

So the group decided to make a new goal: to collect 5,000 cards, the library's outreach co-ordinator said. 

"When we heard the response from our community, we saw the Twitter posts and we saw the schools that were getting involved, we just decided, bigger is better," Mariah Baldasaro said.

Chloe said she and Abby were surprised at the overwhelming support.

"It really showcases how amazing our community is, so I'm really happy about it."

The library has received many cards from elementary schools as well. This one was from a kindergarten class. Ella wrote, "Dear senior, have a buttfull day!" At CBC, we assume that's, er, beautiful. (Carmen Groleau/CBC)

Abby agrees.

"I think it really shows how much our community wants to come together, even though restrictions may get in the way."

The two girls also spend time with seniors living with dementia and have seen the effects of the pandemic has had on them.

Chloe said they hope the cards will remind people that "they are loved and that they're not in this alone." 

The cards will delivered to seniors across the region. 

Anyone interested in making a card can drop them off at the library's main branch on Albert Street in Waterloo by Dec. 17.

Baldasaro, with the Waterloo Public Library, holds several hand made cards that have been dropped off by the community. She said she's confident they will exceed their 5,000 card goal. (Carmen Groleau/CBC)

Listen to the full interview below:

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices|About CBC News
Corrections and clarifications|Submit a news tip|

Related Stories