A Mailbox Project Connecting Residents to their Community

NEILL HALL

Fredericton, NB – Shannex Neill Hall and York Care Centre are excited to collaborate on a mailbox pilot project that connects 70 of their residents to the greater community of Fredericton, NB through special mail deliveries. Recently launched at both locations, the project is already successful with many meaningful connections being created between residents and schools, businesses and community groups.

“The joy and curiosity of receiving letters, notes and cards from the community volunteers is so beneficial to residents,” said Sharon Wahl, Neill Hall family member leading the initiative. “It not only makes residents feel valued and appreciated, but it also helps combat loneliness by creating a sense of purpose.”

The project is made possible through the support of many community partners including Home Depot, Covey Basics, the New Brunswick Alzheimer Society and the Retired Teachers Association. St. Thomas University’s Bachelor of Social Work students Grace Steeves, Emma Connors and MacKenzie MacLeod also each played an active role on the organizing committee.

“Witnessing the acts of kindness from volunteers who are taking the time to deliver and read mail to our residents on a regular basis is rewarding,” said Stephanie Seymour, Director of Community, Recreation & Volunteers at York Care Centre. “I would like to thank everyone involved in making this project a reality. A special thank you goes out to all the volunteer mail messengers as well as team members from Keller Williams Capital Realty, and children from the YMCA Fredericton, The Ville, Gibson-Neill Memorial Elementary school and École Sainte-Anne for their contributions.”

Wanting to keep the project meaningful and manageable, the project aims at receiving a sustainable amount of mail for months to come for the participating Shannex Neill Hall and York Care Centre residents, and potentially expanding the project to more residents in the future.

“Creating meaningful connections with the greater community, including intergenerational connections is so important for our residents,” said Sarah Condran, Recreation Coordinator and Music Therapist at Neill Hall. “It gives residents something to look forward to and allows them to build relationships with people of all ages in the greater community.” Anyone interested in contributing mail to the project or volunteering as a mail messenger can contact Sharon Wahl (swahl@bellaliant.net).