Send A Sunflower

By K W Warburton, The Reluctant Spoonie

When I first became bedridden with my chronic illness, I was surprised at how quickly I became isolated from the rest of the world. Social media became my only form of social interaction which can be a bit impersonal at times. Another thing that I had difficulty with, even when I was able to leave the house on occasion, was sending cards to people. I missed birthdays and important anniversaries because I wasn’t able to get to the shops or post box on time. I love sending cards and sometimes, a text message just isn’t good enough.

I am launching my free ‘Send a Sunflower‘ scheme to help those who are currently bedridden or housebound to communicate with their loved ones. I am aware that under current circumstances, a larger proportion of the population now fits this demographic, but I originally designed this scheme for those with chronic illness.

Over the past few years, I have been sending handwritten cards and crochet items to those who are housebound or chronically ill. These cards and gifts are always very well received. I know from first-hand experience that receiving happy mail is one of the best things that you can get when you are lonely and isolated from the rest of the world.

What a lot of effort to put in! It Brought some brightness to a very high pain day.

@thekiwispoonie

You can nominate someone to receive a card such as a friend, family member or NHS worker by filling out the google form below. There is a space to include your own message such as a birthday wish, thank you or ‘thinking of you’ note that I will hand-write myself (don’t worry, I have very neat writing!).

Although, I have called this the ‘Send a Sunflower’ scheme, I also have two other designs available: Daisy and Animal Crossing Leaf. I can also make a custom design just for you. Please email to discuss your requirements.

View my recent commission projects here

This is a FREE (UK) service, however, If you choose to nominate someone to receive a card, please consider making a donation towards the postage and production costs (Total cost for one card and crochet flower is £1.80 and UK postage is £0.88). I am keeping this UK only for now, due to postage costs, but may be able to accommodate international nominees if I receive enough donations or if you are willing to pay the full international postage cost (£2.87- 3.82).

Please note, that all nominees must be aged 18+.

All personal information will be used for the ‘Send a Sunflower’ scheme only and will not be used by a third party. All personal information will be destroyed after use. You will receive a copy of the form once completed and details can be amended or deleted at any time. You can read our privacy policy here

Nominate someone to receive a card here.

Donate direct to my PayPal here

If you are unable to make a donation at this time, I would really appreciate you sharing this post on you social media.

For questions relating to this scheme please email thereluctantspoonie@gmail.com with ‘Send a Sunflower Scheme‘ as the subject line.

Personal Safety during covid-19

As I have already optimised my operations to minimise the time that I spend outside my house; the new UK regulations do not really affect me. I prepare the cards and print postage at home. I group my orders so that I only go to the post box at the end of my street once a week. E-commerce and the use of the postal service is currently being encouraged by the UK government.

Resources

UK Gov. COVID-19 Guidelines https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/

Royal Mail International Delivery Rates (Large Letter) https://www.royalmail.com/sending/international/international-standard

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