Are you a care facility in Canada looking to receive letters as part of the Pen Pal Program? Fill out our application!
Pen Pal Program
Sending Sunshine’s Pen Pal Program is intended to facilitate meaningful, one-on-one intergenerational connections through the power of the written word. In a time that can feel very isolating, sending handwritten letters is a tangible way to create new friendships and help reduce feelings of loneliness.
Wondering how your letter gets to a Senior living in a care facility? Here's how it works!
1.
Sign up on our website and wait for our confirmation email and instructions
2.
Handwrite the letter and mail it to the address we provide you
3.
The letter is received by a partnered care facility
4.
The letter is distributed by the care facility to a resident who is looking for a Pen Pal
5.
The resident responds to the letter and sends it directly to you! Steps 2-5 are repeated at least six times!
Common Questions
What Makes a Good Letter?
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One letter or card made from 8.5 x 11’’ blank paper, cardstock, or stationary
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Please avoid using lined paper or paper with a three-hold punch
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Neat, legible, large handwriting
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Use pen, marker, or pencil crayon
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A complete page of writing (minimum 20 sentences)
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Some paragraph breaks can help your letter be read more easily
What Should I Write Inside?
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Begin with a greeting and introduce yourself
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Write about what you are currently doing, interests, or hobbies you are passionate about
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Ask questions for your pen pal to respond to
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Share anecdotes
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Sign off your letter
Letter Examples
