When Guelph resident Sharon Wolters heard that there were no visitors allowed in long term care facilities and hospitals, she felt compelled to do something about it.
With a mother who struggled with Alzheimer’s before she passed away, Wolters said she couldn’t help but visualize her mom in the hospital with no visitors and her heart just went out for those community members who might feel alone.
“I thought there’s got to be a way that we can do something to make them feel like they’re still thought of and cared for," said Wolters.
So two weeks ago, she started a project called ‘Greetings From My Heart’ that encourages those sitting at home to make homemade cards or use store bought and drop them in one of the four designated boxes in the city to be delivered to residents of The Elliott Community and the Guelph General Hospital.
Wolters posted information about the project in churches and on community mailboxes and as a result, saw hundreds of cards pouring in from community members across Guelph.
“This is getting at least some greetings into the patients and the residents to make them feel like they’re not forgotten,” said Wolters.
Local copy shop Moffitt Print Craft also helped out the initiative by donating blank cards for people who didn't have paper at home.
Wolters said because of the success of the initiative with cards pouring in from across the city, she decided to continue the project even after COVID-19 passes.
“As I’ve heard, a lot of people don’t have visitors at any time of the year. So to get a birthday card or to get encouragement or whatever the case may be, its important that people are not forgotten and they’re cared for,” said Wolters.
“It would be important for them to receive some love from the community.
As a safety precaution, the cards were left to sit for a week to ensure they’re not contaminated by the virus.
“Anytime they’re touched, they have to be sitting for a few days,” said Wolters.
Wolters said the response from the community was extremely positive because community members recognize that there is a need to remember those who don’t have friends or family visit them.
“Especially with no visitors not allowed in the hospital, these people have nobody. No outside contact,” said Wolters adding that the staff too can only do so much while they’re working and many of the cards were also dedicated to front line workers.
“There are some very inspiring words inside these cards and it would just give them a lift, even if it’s for that moment, it’s knowing that people care and that’s the bottom line,” said Wolters adding that she would like to give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has participated and will participate in the future.
As of now, there are four drop off locations in Guelph that are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m daily:
• North end - 95 Ingram Dr.
• South end - 19 Oak St.
• West end - 471 Whitelaw Rd.
• Central - 68 Pleasant Rd.
