Keep it simple. Like these two samples: one in English; one in Ukrainian.

1. Choose a card. Or, a couple. You can send as many as you like! They will all get to Ukraine. Tip: about four or five cards can fit in one envelope using one regular domestic postage stamp. Cards can be the same, or different. It’s up to you. If you don’t know where to get postcards, click Where to find postcards.

2. Address the card to “Defender of Ukraine”. Or start with “Greetings from Canada”. There are many women on the front, so your card could go to a female or a male defender. It’s best to not start with “Hey Dude”. 😉  

3. Print your message, draw on the card, decorate it … whatever you like. Use the WHOLE backside. Colourful and cheery is nice. And, yes! You can write in English. Keep it simple and clear and short. Print in large clear letters. Not sure what to write? Click Tips for writing your card where you will also find some sample messages.

4. Your message will be one of support and encouragement. Think of yourself as a Canadian Ambassador of Kindness. Your card – that lovely little bit of paper – just might make the receiver smile. Be aware and empathetic that these are women and men facing the horrors of war every day, all day.

5. Write from your heart. Write your thoughts and hopes for the health and safety of defenders and their families. Or share something interesting from your day; like about that rabbit that has been chewing on your tulips. Click here for a few writing ideas.

6. Ukrainians are fighting against Russian aggression so they can live freely, as they have tried since Independence in 1991. Supportive language could include, for example: “freedom”, “victory”, “be brave”, “be strong”, and “defense of culture”.

7. Mention that you are from Canada. This really cheers people up. Remind them that the world hasn’t forgotten them.

8. Don’t forget to write at least your first name on the card. That makes for a personal connection.

9. Cards from children are welcome. Many defenders haven’t seen the children in their families for months. A lot of Ukrainian children are far away from home, sheltering all over the planet. Joyful pictures produced by children bring many smiles.

10. It will surely make a defender smile if you try at least one or a few words in Ukrainian – using the Cyrillic lettering. For instance, We support you! = Ми вас підтримуємо! Hugs = Обійми. Canada = Канада. Ukraine = Україна. Try Google Translate to help you find words or phrases in Ukrainian. And don’t worry if you don’t get it perfect. Your effort will be appreciated.

11. No need for a return address. They don’t have time to write back.

12. Slip your card(s) into an envelope. Address it (see below). Be sure to put on sufficient postage. Please include your name and email address on the back or inside so we can let you know that your card(s) have arrived. Write clearly, so we can read it. Drop your envelope into a mailbox. Thank you!

13. If you want to include a note in your envelope about your motivation for sending card(s), please do. We will send these notes to the volunteers in Ukraine who distribute the cards and care packages to the front.

Mail the envelope to:  

Postcards to the Front (Canada)

Box 184

Millbrook, ON  

L0A 1G0

All done?  Please Subscribe. We’d like to keep in touch. By subscribing, we can acknowledge receipt of your card(s) – be sure to provide us with your name and email address on the back of your envelope, clearly written. We will also send you occasional updates about this project.

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We will NEVER ask you for money or try to sell anything to you • This is a project to support Defenders of Ukraine with bits of happy mail • That’s it.