Card firm in East Sussex brings festive joy to Ringmer care home with Caring at Christmas visit
As Christmas comes closer, The Greeting Card Association (GCA) is encouraging individuals and businesses across the UK to help bring the festive spirit to care homes through the launch of its Caring at Christmas campaign.
Now in its fourth year, Caring at Christmas is an initiative which encourages member volunteers to take Christmas cards to care homes in their local area and spend time with residents while they write to friends and family, before posting on their behalf.
The initiative is part of the GCA’s #Cardmitment campaign which is all about sharing the joy of cards, and reminding everyone about the importance of the very British tradition of connecting with loved ones at Christmas.
East Sussex-based greeting card company Paperlink visited local care home Parris Lawn in Ringmer, bringing an abundance of Christmas cards for a special card-writing session with residents. Among the residents was an opera singer and a Saville Row tailor.
During the visit, Paperlink colleagues and frieds, Derek, Kevin and Kirsty spent time chatting with residents, and some even joined in singing carols, creating a festive atmosphere for everyone.
Emma Young, managing director at Paperlink said: “I am truly humbled when I visit to learn of the residents experiences. One resident was once a famous Saville Row tailor and another a Glyndebourne opera singer.”
“It was also lovely to see some familiar faces from last year. Being a resident of the village, I also know some of the residents so that was heartwarming”.
Staff at Parris Lawn care home have invited Paperlink to make the card session an annual event.
This year the GCA’s Caring at Christmas programme is bigger than ever, encouraging its members and larger retailers to get involved.
The GCA is also encouraging everyone to write and send their Christmas cards early this year – to take advantage of the continued affordability of the second-class postal service and ensure loved ones have ample time to show off their lovely festive cards before the big day.
For more details about the Caring at Christmas and #Cardmitment campaign visit www.gca.cards where other case studies can be found of visits to care homes this December.