A Student Senator with the Avon Maitland District School Board says they are starting up a pen pal program between the schools and local retirement and nursing homes.
Rachel Rudy explains that one of her aunts, who is a nurse, was talking to her about what life was like for nursing home residents since the arrival of COVID-19.
"They're really getting sad. It's not the same, it's not as social and it's really not a good environment for them," said Rudy. "I started thinking more and I knew I wanted to connect with them in some way."
That's when the conversation started with other students and the plan for a Pen Pal Club evolved.
"It wouldn't be every student. I think we're just probably going to be looking at our seven or eight campus and then maybe some students from English courses and whoever else is interested. I would hope they could keep talking to that same person in the nursing home and develop that connection," said Rudy.
Rudy adds it would be great if they could actually visit people in the homes but that's not possible during this time.