Question 1

Can I earn volunteer hours if I contribute to the Pen Pal Program?

Accepted Answer

No, participation in our Pen Pal Program is not claimable towards the fulfillment of volunteer hours.

Question 2

Does I have to handwrite letters to my pen pal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your letter must be handwritten. We do not accept typed out letters.

Question 3

Is there a minimum length required for the letters?

Accepted Answer

The letters should have a minimum of 20 sentences, with an average of 15-20 words each.

Question 4

How many letters will I need to write?

Accepted Answer

Once registered in the Pen Pal Program, you will be required to write a minimum of six letters throughout your time in the program.

Question 5

I want to write letters to multiple residents. Is that possible?

Accepted Answer

As the Pen Pal Program currently has a waitlist, you may only sign up once to be paired with one pen pal.  However, in the future we hope to facilitate multiple connections among pen pals concurrently.

Question 6

Can I send a small gift with my letter to a pen pal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but adding a gift is not required. The secure packaging and additional postage of the added gift(s) will be the responsibility of the sender. Please note, food items will not be accepted.

Question 7

Will I receive a handwritten letter in return?

Accepted Answer

Yes! As you are required to send in a minimum of six letters, you will also receive a minimum of six handwritten letters from the senior you have written to.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Card Writing

Why has the General Card Writing Program ended?

I work at a care facility in Canada. Will seniors still receive cards now that the PO Box is closed?

Is there a minimum size requirement for my cards?

Does my card have to be store bought?

What should the card contain?

Can I receive volunteer hours for writing a card?

Charity + Donations

Where can I confirm that Sending Sunshine is a registered charity?

What makes Sending Sunshine as a Charity different from a Not-For-Profit Corporation?

How can I donate to Sending Sunshine?

Where is my donation going and how does Sending Sunshine plan on using the donations to operate?

Will I receive a receipt for my charitable donation?

Will my name be on the receipt?

What happens if there is an issue with my receipt?

Will Sending Sunshine keep all receipts on file?

How long will it take me to receive my receipt for my charitable donation?

Once I have donated to Sending Sunshine, can I request for a return of my donation?

How can I claim my charitable tax credit?

Chapters

Where do the cards go?

Can I start a Chapter anytime throughout the year?

Can I start a Chapter without it being associated with a school?

Can I start a Chapter outside of Canada?

Can I start a Chapter if there is already one in my province/state?

What do I do if I am graduating and would like to pass the Chapter on to other students?

Senior Nomination Program

Can I nominate a senior who doesn't live in Canada?

Will I receive volunteer hours for writing a card through the Senior Nomination Program?

Can I nominate a senior who doesn't live in a care facility?

Pen Pal Program