Uplifting Blessings volunteer Alicia McLeod recently made more than 140 notes of encouragement for Trillium Manor residents.
Back in April, the GTA native and Orillia resident started creating her notes of encouragement for local medical professionals on National Super Hero Day.
“After that, I decided, let’s go beyond that, let’s help everybody. I want everyone to feel the love,” McLeod said.
McLeod has been inspired to make notes of encouragement in honour of her best friend, Justice Ferrigno, who was murdered several years ago.
“I’ve dedicated my life to doing all sorts of good in his name; I do it to honour him,” she said.
“I want to show people that no matter what you go through, no matter what adversity you face, you can turn it into something good.”
Making the cards is not easy for McLeod, who suffers from Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia, which can leave her feeling weak and tired.
“When I make the cards, my hands really hurt and my body really hurts because of what I go through, and sometimes it really takes a lot to create the amount that I do,” she said.
Other challenges with making the notes have been born out of the stay-at-home order, which makes craft supplies less accessible.
“I used to buy everything at the Dollar Store, but now that there are certain things you are not allowed to buy, I’ve had to do curbside pick-up at Michael's, which is expensive,” McLeod explained.
McLeod is hoping the community will step up to give her a hand to create the notes.
“It would really help if others would help make notes of encouragement so I’m not the only one making them. I really need help from the community,” she said.
McLeod says anyone and everyone can get involved, adding the notes do not require any special artistic abilities.
“They can be cards, letters, drawings, there are no rules with the notes of encouragement. I’m looking for anything that can be inspiring and uplifting that can be delivered,” she said.
“I know how much people appreciate them, especially now. It’s amazing to see people so touched by something so simple.”
McLeod encourages potential note makers to keep messages generalized as they will be sent out to shelters, senior homes, and local businesses that are struggling during the pandemic.
“For people who are struggling, any motivational kind word is something they just love,” she said.
Notes of encouragement should be sent to Uplifting Blessings by mail, the address is as follows:
Uplifting Blessings
Attn: Notes of Encouragement
1985 Voyageur Circle
Orillia, ON L3V 7K9
You can also make monetary donations to help McLeod acquire supplies for notes of encouragement by emailing [email protected].
