NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE SERVICE
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The Caring with Cards and Carnations campaign for seniors is returning for a fifth year and is bigger and brighter than ever.
Local elementary students from the Simcoe County District School Board and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board have created approximately 2,000 kindness cards to be delivered to seniors in Bradford and Innisfil on Valentine’s Day. Once again, Linda’s Floral Designs in Bradford is generously donating fragrant red and pink carnations. This year, we are excited to announce that Lavender Floral in Innisfil is joining the campaign for the first time. These local florists are contributing 100 carnations each.
The special deliveries on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, will be made by members of the South Simcoe Police Service (SSPS), our auxiliary officers, along with community volunteers and organizations including Innisfil Fire and Rescue Services, CONTACT Community Services, Holland Gardens, and The Elden.
This heartwarming initiative to brighten Valentine’s Day for seniors was started in 2019 by Special Const. Elisabeth Aschwanden, who teamed up this year with SSPS community liaison Isabella Soligo.
“This truly is a team effort, and we are always touched by the generosity of our communities. The cards created by the students are priceless and guaranteed to give seniors a smile,” said Aschwanden.
This year, the card campaign will include Holland Gardens, The Elden, Helping Hand Food Bank, Out of the Cold Café, LeBlanc Rest Home, Lakeside Retirement, Sandycove Acres and the Innisfil Food Bank.
The carnations will be delivered with a card to individual seniors at their private residences.
We would like to acknowledge the numerous community partners and volunteers assisting with the campaign. Thank you to the students whose creativity and caring will be making a difference in the lives of seniors.
What: Caring with Cards and Carnations Campaign 2024
When: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024
Start time: 8:30 a.m.
Location 1: (8:30 a.m.) Linda’s Floral Designs, 364 Holland St. W., Bradford, for carnation pickup
Location 2: (9 a.m. ) Holland Gardens, 552 Holland St. W., Bradford, where volunteers will gather to pick up cards/carnations then disperse for deliveries
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