Little letters of love and joy

The residents at Corowa Court aged care home on the Mornington Peninsula were delighted to receive a surprise delivery from the children at Devon Meadows Primary School recently, with bundles of hand crafted drawings and letters providing them with a sense of connection during lockdown.

Resident Carol Inglis (pictured) said it was so lovely and made her feel like there’s still a world out there.

“It also made me feel like I’m not that old after all,” she said.

Ms Inglis is working on a letter back to the children along with a knitted doll she calls a “dude doll” wearing a mask.

Benetas Community Engagement Coordinator Rebekah Wissmann said that it has been really important to seek joy and connection wherever possible during these extended lockdowns, so when Devon Meadows Primary School contacted them asking to send some letters and drawings from their young students, it was just the joy to make their day.

“The whole team was chuffed with the sweet gesture,” she said.

“The children put so much effort in and made incredibly creative drawings. Their letters talked about everything from their favourite foods to their families and what games they have been playing lately.

“I was so pleased Devon Meadows Primary School picked us,” Ms Wissmann said. “They were looking for a school project where the kids could send some inspirational messages to connect with the community”

“We were thrilled and it’s such a great initiative organised by the school. The residents found the experience very endearing."

The residents are now planning their reply by sending thank you cards and letters back to the students, proving it’s never too late to find a pen pal.