Every month students from Merewether High School put pen to paper and write 50 letters for nursing home residents to alleviate loneliness.
It’s all part of the Love from Leo campaign, formed by the school’s Leo Club in October 2023.
More than 70 pupils are registered, forming friendships and bonds with locals living at an aged care facility in Tea Gardens.
Students like 16-year-old Khuslen Batmandakh, who has always had a passion for community kindness.
She joined the group when she was in Year 8.
Now, four years later, Khuslen fronts the movement, serving as president for the past two.
The team writes letters for all occasions and holidays, with the club building an official letter box in the school’s library for the messages.
“We always start with ‘Dear Friend’… and we normally talk about our pets, travel plans, our families, classes,” she said.
“The staff and residents do respond back, so I’ve personally formed bonds with a few different ladies.
“They’re basically my friends who happen to live in a nursing home.
“They tell us about when they went to high school, the jobs they had, their kids, they even give us life advice.”
Created by Lions Clubs International, a Leo Club is a group of young people who participate in social service activities and projects in areas like health care, education and literacy.
It provides pupils with an opportunity to develop leadership skills and serve their communities.
“There’s something so special about opening your letterbox to find a hand-written letter or card,” Khuslen told the Newcastle Weekly.
“I think that’s really rare now.
“It gives you a really special feeling knowing that someone took the time to write for you.
“Elderly people are so integral to our community; and we’ve got to give back thanks and remind them that they’re loved.”
But, Khuslen is not only a savvy writer, but she is also an avid reader as well.
When she was 13, she felt people in her local neighbourhood of Jesmond did not have enough access to literature.
So, she banded together with members of her community to form the Jesmond Book Nook in the local shopping centre.
The space has seen more than 3,000 books on its shelves, serving as a space for residents to stop and appreciate the power of reading.
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