For the second year in a row, LeBlanc with the support of friends and the community is helping to collect Christmas cards to be given to those in the hospital as well as places like local nursing homes, the Life Shelter and Roots For Youth House.
The idea first came to LeBlanc last year when her grandmother passed away shortly before Christmas.
She said she saw how something as simple as a photo had brightened her grandmother’s room and wanted others to experience the same joy.
“This year, as my grandfather Bert is in hospital in Saint John, I want to honour him and put a smile on his face, and honour my grandmother by collecting cards again,” she said.
She said people last year were very receptive to the idea and they were able to collect more than 300 cards. She said it’s a way to celebrate the holidays that seems to really resonate with people and something that children can get involved in.
The response has been strong this year as well with already about 100 cards that have come in. She said some people make cards including some by children which are particularly special. Others just provide cards they may have had left over. Leblanc said people can sign them if they want or leave them blank. Those that don’t have messages already will be filled in by volunteers.
Leblanc said those interested in taking part can arrange with her to pick them up or drop them off by emailing [email protected]. Drop-off sites will also be updated on the “Spreading Christmas Cheer in Pictou County through cards!” Facebook page. Those out of town can mail them to Nicole LeBlanc PO Box 256, Trenton, NS B0K 1S0.
She said she’d like to have them all collected by Dec. 9.
“It’s a Christmas spirit thing,” she said. “It’s not about things or buying presents.”
Places cards can be dropped off:
The News (352 East River Rd.)
Scotsburn Post Office (4140 Scotsburn Rd.) Monday- Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pictou County United Way (342 Stewart St., New Glasgow) Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sobeys Westside, (38 George St.) New Glasgow
Sobeys Pictou (239 West River Rd.)
Sobeys Stellarton (293 Foord St.)
Sobeys Aberdeen, (610 East River Rd.)
Karla MacFarlane's Office (25B Front St., Pictou)
Town of New Glasgow (111 Provost St.)
Queen Lili Cafe & Restaurant (91 Water St., Pictou)
Scotiabank Stellarton (289 Foord St.)
The Pictou Advocate (21 George St, Pictou)
