Nobody sends postcards anymore

When was the last time you sent someone a letter or a postcard? Unless you’re a wonderfully doting grandson (cough cough), chances are it’s been a while.

I still send a postcard to my parents in South West Wales every time I’m on an adventure. Why? Well, because I know how much those scribbles are appreciated by their audience. 

Being dragged into the 21st century kicking and screaming, they have an iPad which I can FaceTime them on, as well as a landline (remember those?). so why make an effort of sending a card? I’m not writing anything particularly extraordinary or life affirming in those scribbles, mostly a recap of what I’ve been eating and the weather.

Why do I bother?

It all comes down to the meaning behind the message. A personal note is still special, no matter what the content is - because someone took time out of their busy lives to think about you, write a note and send it to you. 

Personal notes are important. They’re also something we see day in, day out.

For our in memory pages (an online tribute to someone after they've died) - messages, stories and photos shared by friends and family are an essential way to help collectively grieve.

For our online will product, there's an individual notes section for every gift - meaning we can now see and share notes left to charities with every legacy that’s left. Below is one we had for an animal charity;

“Please use this donation to name two new guide dog puppies… one to be called after my sadly departed Mother, the other after my beloved labrador...”

At last, our partner charities can read notes - written just for them - explaining why supporters want to continue to support them long after they're gone.

Not only does this mean that in terms of contestation, we have written proof as to why someone has left that gift; it also provides hugely insightful information for legacy admin teams everywhere, who’re often left scratching their heads at the connection that person had to the charity.

Legacy teams often talk about struggling to get internal buy-in - with these notes also comes the chance to share them around staff internally, helping reinforce the message as to why legacies are so important.

Pretty powerful scribbles and a great deal easier to read than my handwriting....