Fans Network teams up with Asda to ensure care homes get Christmas cards

The Fans Network, a part of the charity My Home Life Essex Community Association, has joined forces with Colchester Council and Asda.

The project will ensure care home residents receive a personalised Christmas card to help brighten up their day and sprinkle a bit of festive magic.

For many living at homes across Colchester the last eight months have been tough with limited contact with their family and friends.

Care homes had to close to visitors during the first and second lockdowns, expect in exceptional circumstances.

A special post box has now been placed at the front of the Asda store in Turner Rise.

All people need to do is pick a name from the list, then pop a card addressed to them in the box.

There is no need for a stamp as all the cards will be forwarded on by the project team.

There are also 34 local schools signed up to send cards to the 24 care homes, with a total of 831 residents on the list to receive a Christmas card.

Mike Lilley, Colchester Council’s portfolio holder for communities, wellbeing and public safety, said: “We would really like it if people could help us to spread some festive spirit to residents in Colchester care homes.

“If you could help to write a special message in a card to one of the names on the list, it would really help to make someone’s day.

“After an extremely challenging year, this community project aims to help put a smile on people’s faces.

“We are proud to be working in partnership on this community project.”

Tony Lee, from the Fans Network, said: “It’s so important that, as a community, we stay connected to our care homes.

“These people are our most cherished and important generation, and just the smallest thing, like sending a Christmas card, will make the biggest difference.”

The deadline for dropping off cards into the post box is Monday, December 21.

To find out more, visit www.facebook.com/fansnetworkessex/.