Christiana Conway wants to spread a message of joy and hope to residents in the Parksville area.
Conway, who has previously spearheaded an annual effort to have volunteers write Christmas cards for area seniors in care homes, has a new project dubbed the 'little red mailbox of hope', or The Hope Post at the McMillan Arts Centre.
"This mailbox will serve as a drop-off and pick-up point for hopeful and kind cards and letters within the community," said Conway. "People in need of some (or those who know someone who is) can collect and take home a card that might bring them joy. Those who wish to contribute to the mailbox are welcome to do so, as long as their cards and letters spread joy and kindness!"
Conway said the handwritten letters contain positive news, jokes, inspirational quotes, personal encouragement and more.
"I'm very grateful to the MAC for their willingness to be the location for the mailbox (making it both accessible for all and central to Parksville)," she said. "With so much going on in the world right now, a little hope goes a long way."
The plan is to make it a permanent feature at the arts centre. The small red mailbox is located on the raised walkway leading to the entrance of the MAC and is accessible at any time for anyone wishing to pick up a letter or leave one for someone else.
"I believe there will always be individuals in our community who could use a little encouragement during their day," said Conway. "The letters are intended to inspire joy, foster a positive outlook and help people feel less lonely."
She noted the Christmas cards sent to seniors have received such a wonderful response over the past five years that she wanted to find a way to do something similar for the wider community.
"The great thing about this mailbox is that people who need a little lift can hopefully find it while staying anonymous," she explained. "There's no judgment, no names or faces — just little notes of hope, and they can take one as often as they feel they need to. It's also an easy way to involve others who want to be part of something like this. Letter writing isn't hard or time-consuming, and it could make a difference in someone's day. We have a fantastic arts and crafts community here; I'm launching something that I hope others will join me in carrying on."
