The Pen Pal Project launched by the Rotary Club of Castlemaine last month has taken off!
Another 25 letter writers joined the initiative aimed at sending cards and letters to residents at Castlemaine Health’s aged-care facilities since the article appeared in our sister paper the Castlemaine Mail a fortnight ago.
Pen Pal Project coordinator Kerry Anderson said they had been absolutely delighted by the response from the local community and beyond.
“We have had letter writers of all ages join the initiative. Some people from as far away as Darwin are writing to residents at our local aged-care facilities to brighten their day during this period of lockdown,” she said.
“I’m loving the selfies and the different themes! Darrell talked about his interest in WWI with a resident who loves history, Sheri included autumn leaves for a gardening enthusiast, and Larry provided a copy of Australian Street Rodding magazine hot off the press for his pen pal interested in cars! So much thought has gone into all these letters and I hear that students are finding writing to a real person very engaging as part of their home schooling,” she said.
“We haven’t yet matched all Castlemaine Health aged-care residents with a pen pal so more participants are more than welcome.
“The Rotary Club is ensuring that everyone receives at least one piece of correspondence. Thompson House, Spencely Hostel and Ellery House residents have all received a card over the past two weeks. Penhall residents will receive theirs this week.”
If you know someone in aged care, the Rotary Club encourages you to write to them. However, if you would like to be allocated a resident to correspond with over the next few months, contact Kerry on 0418 553 719 or make contact via the Rotary Club of Castlemaine Facebook page and they can assign you one.
