On Wednesday, Oct. 30, volunteers with the Langley Volunteer Bureau sorted through hundreds of handmade Remembrance Day cards created by students to mail to veterans.
This year there are about 500 cards being sent out to veterans, said Lynda Fourchalk, director of the bureau.
"And we mail about 200 cards to the Aldergrove legion members, and have extended to the Cloverdale legion who will take 150-plus cards for Remembrance Day celebrations," Fourchalk explained.
"So many kids want to do the cards, we quickly reached our maximum order and have [had] to decline some."
If anyone knows of a veteran in Langley, they could register online at langleyvolunteers.ca by the end of October to have a card mailed to them, she added. While October has passed, this is an annual service done by students and volunteers ahead of Remembrance Day.
"Receiving cards from students provides an emotional connection to a younger generation and reminds veterans that their service is appreciated and remembered – that their sacrifices have had an impact," Fourchalk said.
She added that a simple message of gratitude can boost morale and helps bridge the gap between generations.
"Many veterans face challenges with loneliness and isolation – like many seniors – and receiving cards can brighten their day," Fourchalk noted.
"For students, it's a chance to reflect on the sacrifices others have made to help create the free world they live in, and provides teaching moments... [and] help build respect for those who serve in the military."
One of the cards being sent to the Aldergrove legion to hand out to a veteran thanks them for their service and "everything you have done for this country."
"I appreciate all that you sacrificed for our country to be free," reads the card signed by Bella.
"Overall, this simple act of kindness can have a profound impact, benefiting both veterans and students alike," Fourchalk said.
Last year, the Remembrance Day program was trimmed down to focus on veterans to allow volunteers time to find seniors for the bureau's rapidly-growing Christmas card program.
The Christmas program now extends to more than 3,000 cards made and sent to seniors over the holidays, in addition to cards on Valentine's Day and spring, Fourchalk said.
Founded in 2016, the Aldergrove-based Langley Volunteer Bureau, also known as Langley Volunteers, is an independent, not-for-profit society that aims to connect volunteers in the community with the organizations that need them.
