Celebrating the season with handwritten cards for our war widows
The end of the year is a special time, but for many, especially within our community of war widows, it can also bring moments of reflection and heartache. That’s why our Christmas card writing sessions have become such an essential part of our annual calendar, a way to connect, support, and remind every one of our members that they are not alone during this time of year.
On 6 and 14 November 2024, our Chatswood office was able to host a festive environment for our dedicated volunteers to spend their day writing Christmas cards to be received around the month of December. These two days were dedicated to an annual tradition we’ve had in place for three years now; handwriting and personalising Christmas cards for all our members. Over 2,000 cards were prepared by our dedicated volunteers, each carrying a short but sweet message, ensuring every member of the Families of Veterans Guild can feel the warmth of our community as they receive these cards in time for the festive season.
The idea of sending handwritten Christmas cards to all members originated from our remarkable volunteers in 2022, and it’s now a firmly established tradition. These sessions not only ensure that our members feel connected, supported, and remembered during the festive season, but they also provide a wonderful opportunity for our volunteers. It’s a chance for them to catch up with friends and peers, sharing stories and laughter. Our War Widows’ Program team made sure everyone enjoyed a lovely morning tea and lunch, fostering a sense of community and support among the volunteers themselves. This tradition is cherished by all, as it brings comfort and connection to both the recipients and the writers, especially during a time of year that can be challenging for many.
If your address has changed or if your card has gone astray, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the office at 9267 6577 or programs@fov.org.au.
Special thanks to our volunteers
We give thanks to the volunteers who dedicated their day to writing these Christmas cards, their generosity and care make a significant difference in the lives of our members. Across the state we have 83 volunteers without whom it would be impossible to deliver the War Widows Program and days like this.
Office closure notice
Please take note that our office will be closed from 23 December 2024 and will reopen on 6 January 2025. During that time, if you need support and/or assistance in managing difficult emotions, please call Open Arms on 1800 011 046, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
