With the province under public health restrictions, staff at Bruce County Public Library’s Walkerton Branch decided to bring some Valentine's spirit to the residents at the Brucelea Haven long term care home in Walkerton.

Library staff drew inspiration from their 2020 redeployment experience at Brucelea Haven and decided to make up packages of different craft materials to help Library patrons get creative for our local seniors. Added to each package was a note saying: "Use the supplies in this little bag and anything else from home to make some lovely Valentine's Cards for seniors." This initiative encouraged homemade cards and letters and added instructions on making paper hearts. Many wonderfully creative members of the community dropped off their cards and crafts by the February 5 deadline to a Valentine's mailbox that was on display at the Walkerton Library Branch.

This was a project that engaged and inspired all ages. Children made many of the cards received, but a surprising number came from parents, adults, and young seniors. Also, a group of eight from Community Living made crafts for seniors over a Zoom meeting, which turned out to be a great activity for this group that could not meet in-person.

The Walkerton Library branch received an impressive 317 Valentines' Cards! These cards will be delivered to Brucelea Haven residents closer to Valentine's Day. With so many more cards than initially anticipated, Library staff will also send Valentine's to Maple Court Villa residents.

These Valentine's will lift the residents' spirits at two long-term care homes. Bruce County Public Library and the Walkerton Branch staff appreciate the community's creativity and support of this project.

source: media release, Bruce County Public Library