Thinking of You week
TO mark Thinking of You Week this September Jonathan hooked up with his old school in Cumbria to donate 200+ of his Stripey Cats (and all other animals) cards to the pupils there, which he hopes will bring them some wobbly-eyed fun and encourage the younger generation to adopt the habit of sending greetings cards, to each other and to their friends and relatives.
After all, isn’t it the best thing to receive a handwritten message that tells you that you’re thought about, cared for and loved? And studies have found that the emotional response to a greetings card is greater than to a text or email. Well we at Stripey Cats knew that all along! And it benefits the sender as much as the receiver…
His early years in education were spent at St James’ Junior School in Whitehaven where two of his childhood friends Neil Carruthers and Andrew Beattie now both teach.
Andrew, who is head teacher, said: “Seeing the children exchange messages is a lovely thing, and shows the power of a handwritten note as opposed to an email or text. Many are keen to write a positive message to a family member, footy coach and even the lady who volunteers to clean the streets round the school.
“Kindness and respect are two key values of our school so these positive messages can be shared when we join in with Thinking of You Week.
“Also, it is great for our children to hear of a former pupil’s story as a successful entrepreneur and we want to thank Jonathan for engaging with us.”
Jonathan added: “I’m really happy to support my old school. It’s quite a special thing to return to the classroom and engage with the children and witness their enthusiasm for card sending.”
Neil said: “This is an amazing idea and a positive boost for our students. We all get so used to sending messages digitally these days that you sometimes forget how much more meaningful and thoughtful a written note or card can be, especially when unexpected. It’s all about spreading those positive vibes! So thanks again Stripey Cats for inspiring our children.”
Thinking of you week school idea
The theme of the week is ‘send a card, deliver a smile’ and the idea is that the pupils will draw from a hat the name of a fellow pupil and write a positive note on a card to them. The children can then talk about how it feels to write and to receive a card and it will hopefully help them make new connections with each other.
As Jonathan says, and the rest of the Cats agree, it’s really quite special to receive a card containing a lovely handwritten message, especially when it comes out of the blue…It’s good to keep in touch; it doesn’t need to be an occasion…
A card is easily recognised amongst the dull, typed envelopes containing bills and flyers lying on our doormats and already there’s a feeling of excitement and anticipation (especially if you’re a kid and that card contains a tenner from Grandma!!)
Thinking of You Week runs from September 18-24 and has been going for almost 10 years. It was started by the Greeting Card Association, an independent, not-for-profit, trade organisation, established in 1919.
We British have a long relationship with cards, the first sent in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole*, founder of the V &A Museum – good man – and we’ve been sending them ever since. In fact we send more cards per person than any other nation – well done us!
Also the UK leads the world in greeting card innovation and design, the work of UK designers, including our own Jonny, is exported across the world….Hurrah!
But you don’t need to wait until September and a special week to send a card. Just take a look at our lovely range and get choosing, writing and posting!
*Sir Henry gives his names to the greeting card industry ‘Oscars’ known as the Henries. And guess who’s been shortlisted in TWO categories? Us!!!! Watch this space for the 2023 results, which are announced in October. To find out more you can read our blog on our Henries nominations here.
