#MakeItMerry Delivery of Cards to the homeless

“Is this for me?”

Two days before Christmas, my family and I handed out the cards that came in for the #MakeItMerry project. As we delivered your cards to the homeless at the Drop In (DI) Centre, this question was heard more than once.  People were shocked and surprised that people from all over had sent them a Christmas card.

We spent over an hour going from floor to floor distributing hundreds of Christmas cards. Initially we had hoped to receive just eighty cards with the intention to give to the Seniors at the DI Centre, but after a few trips to my mailbox I soon realized I was about to be flooded with cards!

The cards came from all over

In fact, over 1500 cards came in for the #MakeItMerry project. Cards were received from all over Canada, some from the United States and even from Rosie all the way in Wales, UK.

Schools, church groups, colleges, bank branches, hospitals, families, hockey teams, stores, and other non-profits all got involved. It was incredible to see so many people want to spread the true spirit of Christmas to those who needed it the most.

 Words #MakeItMerry,

My mailbox soon became a hub of activity for my local Canada Post outlet. The manager (she has already purchased cards to use for next year*) would put aside all the letters that wouldn’t fit in my box and let me know when more arrived.

I met so many kind people as I picked up cards all over the city. You may remember, to ensure the contents of the cards were nothing but positive, I went through and sorted the cards. Not one was negative. Not one was cruel or condescending. Nothing but love and encouragement.

We are all alike

I’ve got to tell you, more than once did my eyes well up with tears, reading the heartfelt words of love and concern for the homeless.

People wrote wishes for happier times, courage to be the best they can be, hope for safety and warmth, but my heart was moved when I read cards that shared stories. Stories from the person that sent the card about their own lives, the number of kids they had, what they liked to read, everyday real life stuff.

I loved these cards because they broke down any barriers between those that have and those that don’t. The card became a conversation between two people, both with hopes and dreams, both with a core desire to be loved.

Someone out there cared enough to send a card

The whole purpose of the #MakeItMerry project was in a small, but hugely significant way, spread some merry with a Christmas card to those who need it most. To those who maybe haven’t received a Christmas card in a long time; if ever.  In fact, as we distributed the cards, one older gentleman got a bit choked up and said the card would probably be all he would receive for Christmas.

Another woman, who somehow didn’t receive a card the first time we passed by her in the hallway, made a point of coming up to us, in a fairly forthright manner, asking us if she could get a card too. These cards meant something. These cards brought joy and meaning and showed that someone cared.

Long lasting impact

A new friend, that I met through the #MakeItMerry project, actually volunteers at the DI Centre. She shared with me that even now, as we approach February, some of her clients still have the card they received and have shown her and have remarked that “these cards are so pretty, not something we see here often.”

So much generosity

Along with kind words, personal anecdotes, and colourful drawings, many cards had little gifts tucked inside. Not only were you incredibly generous, but you had really thoughtful ideas on what to include. Several envelopes had McDonald’s or Tim Horton’s gift cards enclosed. Others had poems, transit tickets, and some had beautiful, miniature origami peace cranes inside.

What’s next?

I can’t express to you, how incredibly grateful and blessed I have been, by your overwhelming response to a wee idea that God put on my heart. I surely couldn’t have done any of it without you.

Please know, that the impact of your Christmas card won’t soon be forgotten and that some special people at the DI Centre had a merrier Christmas due to you. Thank you so much.

*Some of you have been asking if the #MakeItMerry project will run in 2016. I am thrilled to let you know that planning will begin in late summer with the DI Centre to prepare for Christmas 2016. I have learned so much and can’t wait to see the initiative grow and spread even more merry!

Should you have ideas or suggestions for the project, please let me know. I would love to hear from you.

P.S. Photos taken at the DI Centre are courtesy of Jennifer Friesen for MetroCalgaryNews.