A card for home made in West End

Two women from Shilo have teamed up with two inner-city entrepreneurs with a plan to help Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan combat UFS.

Curious about just what UFS is?

To paraphrase Angeie Zuber, Upset Family Syndrome afflicts many families who have members fighting overseas.

“Hallmark doesn’t make cards that say ‘gee, I’m sorry I missed our child’s birth,” she says.

In response, she’s devised a crafty plan to help soldiers keep the peace at home and abroad.

“We always heard the joke that military wives have the same card on their mantle,” said Zuber with a laugh, referring to the standard issue cards made available to soldiers in the field.

Zuber, along with project partner Robin Blecker, have started A Card For Home – a project putting people with an interest in handmade card-craft together to make blank cards for soldiers fighting overseas.

The soldiers receive the handmade blank cards and are able to send them home as a recognition of important moments missed, making those messages home more personal.

“There are parents out there who…miss ‘the firsts,’” said Zuber, referring to families with young children who miss two parents being there to witness their child’s first step, or first tooth.

“We think those moments are important,” Zuber said.

Michele Davidow and Marilyn Whatman, co-owners of Scrapbookers Anonymous and More on Erin Street loved Zuber’s idea so much they’re hosting card-making afternoons once a month at their store.

The idea is to gather enough people to help A Card For Home achieve their goal of making and sending 500 card-bundles overseas.

“People often wonder, what can you do to give something back?” said Davidow.

Fort Garry resident Heather Sheardown was on hand at Davidow and Whartman’s store to help craft a card or two for the cause.

A former corporal in the Forces, Sheardown said the reasons to get involved in Zuber’s project are simple.

“It’s basically to support the people who are keeping us safe,” she said, although she admits the program is also a way to fee her love for card-making.

“I’m just feeding my addiction here,” she laughs.

And with many soldiers’ missions being extended to nine months, Zuber says a soldier’s need for A Card For Home is clear.

Those interested in getting involved with A Card For Home can visit www.acardforhome.ca, or call Scrapbooker’s Anonymous and More at 774-9414.