More Valentines for Vets

Just under the wire, I got 5 more Valentines for Veterans made before I popped all 32 off in the mail.  They don't have to be elaborate, but I do try to make them nice with a few pretty details.

Valentines for Veterans

This is the fourth year that I've been participating in the Canadian Valentines for Veterans program run by the Federal Government.  The military accepts generic Valentines, and sends them out to Veterans in homes and hospitals across the country.  If you are interested in participating, Google it, and you'll find a webpage with all the details and an address to send them to.  *Read the fine print, there are a few no-no's like glitter or 3D embellishments - and they would like them to be signed with an encouraging or thankful comment.  They also encourage you to take cards directly to local care homes if you can - so check out who accepts them in your neighbourhood.  For my American friends, I know there are similar programs in the US that you can look into.

Happy to have assembled 27 of these this week!  Will try to fit in a few more, but want to get them off in the mail in the next few days.

Valentines for Veterans

This is the third year that I've been able to support a great cause in just a very small way.  The Government of Canada supports a program called Valentines for Veterans, which encourages individuals (children, schools, anyone!) to create generic cards that will be handed out to Veterans in care homes around the country.  They ask you to sign the card (first names only!), and write a brief message thanking them for their service.  I make mine simple, but pretty - and like to dig into my stash of patterned papers.  I make multiples, but switch it up every once in a while.  

I made nine of the pastel patterned ones earlier this year, and twenty of the darker butterfly paper cards.  I would've loved to make more, but given how slow the postal service is in Canada after the strike, I want to make sure these get to their distribution center, in time to be redistributed to care homes.

*If you would like to contribute hand made cards to the organization - just Google "Valentines for Veterans" if you are in Canada, and all of the details are given there.  Many other countries have similar initiatives, so be sure to do some research if you're not based here.

Donation cards

 In the midst of doing a craft room purge, I stopped to create 9 cards to donate - likely to Valentines for Veterans next winter.  I like to either give away or sell product that I don't want, but if paperpacks are already used, I'll use them up for something like this, rather than throw anything away.  Hoping I'll have a good pile of cards ready to go after a few months.

Valentines for Veterans

This is such a wonderful initiative by Veterans Affairs Canada - where you are encouraged to create handmade cards, and write a note inside to thank a veteran for their service - or simply wish them a Happy Valentine's Day.  It's open to everyone, and children/schools are welcome to participate - just google "Valentines for Veterans" and it will lead you to the Gov't of Canada website with the address to send your cards.  They need to be received by Feb 1st, in order to be distributed to the care homes on time.  *Also - I believe there is an American version of this, so Google it if you're from the US!

I primarily did two styles, and was able to get 37 cards made up this year.  It's my second time participating!  These are ancient papers from Close To My Heart that I've had in my stash forever, and I am so happy to use them for a good cause.  The heart dies and sentiment are CTMH also.

Valentines for Veterans

 I am happy to have been able to put together 30 cards for an initiative that the library I work at is supporting this week.  Valentines for Veterans is a program that the government supports to have homemade valentine cards given to veterans in long term care homes.  We will be putting out craft supplies at the library, so families can create the cards, and write a brief note inside thanking them for their service.  I kept the designs bright and bold, and made multiples of each: