Prisoner Correspondence Network Holiday Card Drive | ONEONESIX

Since 2016, the Prisoner Correspondence Network has coordinated the Holiday Card Drive. Our pen pals, supporters and members of the public write holiday cards to incarcerated folks, bringing them some holiday cheer during a dark and lonely time in prison. This is an important initiative which brings hope and connection to our incarcerated whānau, as well as connection and kōrero among members of the community.

This year we’re aiming to send 1,500 cards to 300 incarcerated people.

This is being held between 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m., on Sunday 23 November 2025 at One One Six, 116A Bank Street, Whangārei 0110.

 

Thank you notes

Every year we receive thank you messages from the recipients of our holiday cards, which clearly show how much of an impact the Holiday Card Drive has on incarcerated people who otherwise may not hear from anyone over Christmas. Here are some of the messages we received after 2024’s Holiday Card Drive:

From Piripi:

I am writing this note to say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the whole team with thanks for the pro-social people I had time getting to know over my sentence period here in prison. I also want to say a warm big heart Merry Xmas to everyone for their Xmas cards and warm wishes. I don’t have many people in my life and any that will have shown the time to even do a Xmas card or something like that. So thank you all very much, it did mean the world to get these cards with what was said in all of them and from me to all of you I hope you all stay safe and have a Merry Xmas with your families.

From Seetha:

I am delighted to receive an envelope full of cards. My special appreciation for your efforts to make it possible with the help of the people in the community. He rawe tērā! My special thanks to Morgan for sending a portrait of a bird in colour. I pasted it on my wall. Everytime I look at the bird, makes me happy  Lots of aroha to Mikayla who sent heart touching greetings with her beautiful hand writing. This is the 1st greeting card in my last 4 years of prison time. So, I saved it as a valuable present. I appreciate her time and big heart to make an effort to write a card to an unknown person. He mīharo tana mahi!

From Douglas:

I would like to thank all the people that write a Xmas card they meant a lot. Getting a card from people out there it makes you feel like you are not forgotten and are someone so thank you to everyone that made a card online or at the making card bees round NZ. You all make a difference in people’s lives. Thank you.

From Allan:

I just want to express how grateful I am for the service and the mahi that yous provide for people like myself who are locked away. A letter and card from yous is such a simple little gesture but the impact is huge & fulfilling, it’s really nice to know that there are people out there who put aside a little amount of time to show Aroha, to give Aroha, by way of a few words on a card. Xmas can be challenging & it was this year for me. The loneliness birds were making their nest inside of me, but when I received some cards with my name on it, I really felt the Aroha. Thankyous all.

From Troi:

P.C.N, I’m just writing to say thanx for the Christmas cards, it was a nice surprise & thoughtful, it picked me right up, im very thankful. I felt valued. Choice one P.C.N. Ka pai tō mahi.

 

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