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 volunteer program is currently running on-line  
 
Assist grade one-to-three students improve reading skills * listen to child read, help with sounds or pronunciation if needed * reinforce reading for enjoyment

You can Apply to any of the three departments! 

Content Creation:

• Create and experiment with different design templates for posts and stories

• Brainstorm and thoroughly plan out new content each week, including opportunity posts and weekly feature posts

• Quality control of design content

• Creating our monthly newsletters

• Adding blog posts and content to our website!

External Operations:

• Conduct research and implement different social media engagement strategies for YHYO based on social media analytics & Instagram Advertising

• Respond to DMs about opportunities from our followers

• Networking with organizations for sponsorships/collaborations

• Organizing any in-person or virtual events that we have

• Researching opportunities available for youth in Ontario for our newsletter and Instagram

Human Ressources:

• Create a culture of self-improvement by facilitating and managing performance evaluations

• Coordinate recruitment and off-boarding, and keep the team organized

• Incharge of taking notes and attendance in all org wide meetings

• Following up with all members for deadlines and reporting if they are being completed on time

To participate in the Ontario Caregiver Organization’s 1:1 Peer Support Program as a Peer Mentor, delivering emotional support to other caregivers as they navigate their caregiving journey * be familiar with OCO’s mission, vision and programs and supports * facilitate peer support programs in a confidential, non-judgmental and friendly atmosphere * expertly guide conversations that allow caregivers to meet others with similar and dissimilar caregiving experiences * offer support and guidance on matters that help caregivers in their journey * provide feedback on OCO’s programs and resources that can help shape the ongoing delivery of OCO’s support and resources for caregivers * maintain confidentiality on sensitive issues as per OCO’s confidentiality agreement * communicate in a timely matter any concerns or issues to OCO staff liaison * follow all policies and procedures outlined in OCO’s volunteer handbook * understand and accept the roles and responsibilities of the peer support program * successfully complete all peer mentor training

Get involved at one of the locations of Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+ * many volunteer opportunities to choose from * administration, committee member * support services, education, community relations * recreation, special projects, fundraising, virtual volunteering 
 
Click here to fill in an OSCC Volunteer Application Form