Who doesn’t love mail?! The doorbell goes. Down I go to answer (nearly always answer in my PJs). “Parcel for you” as the postman hands over a lovingly washi taped cardboard box. Even just typing this I’m excited!
How it works:
1. Fill out this form by Wednesday, 20th July (3pm UK time).
SIGN UP HAS NOW CLOSED.
2. I will email you with the details of your awesome PFC swap partner, and this is your cue to prepare the box! You’ll have about two weeks to do this.
3. Post your box off by Saturday 6th August.
4. Optional: Take a picture of the box you receive and share it on twitter(#PFCswap), instagram or in the Pillow Fighters Club facebook group.
What to include:
Budget of £7 (which is about US$11.50 or 8.50€). This is for the contents only, not the postage.
– Something personal. e.g. a favourite easy recipe, a good book you’ve just finished, a playlist of your favourite music.
– Something fun. e.g. a little craft activity, a puzzle, a little furry friend (soft toy variety, not alive, obvs)
– Something inspiring. e.g. newspaper clipping, a photo or illustration you love, lyrics to a song that inspires you.
Apart from that, it’s up to you! Each box should be a warming collection of gifts and ideas to brighten the chronic illness days. Be creative – if you include a letter you might even start a pen-friendship!
Inject it with colours, scents, flavours, textures; make something that you would be pleased to receive. Think outside the – dare we say it – box, and most importantly have fun!
Essential details:
1. I will share your email address, postal address and other details from the form with your swap partner, and them alone.
2. If you are under 18, you must have the consent of a parent or guardian to take part.
3. If your box doesn’t arrive, feel free to drop your partner an email. Ultimately though, this is about the joyful risk of giving without the guarantee of return.
4. You accept sole responsibility for your swap, and liability for anything that may occur directly or indirectly as a result of sharing the information in (1) with your swap partner.
5. Get a ‘certificate of posting’ from the Post Office if you’re worried about the box you send not arriving.
6. If you share pics of your box with us on twitter and facebook (and please do! it’s #PFCswap), we might use them with credit in an online gallery or the magazine).
7. There is a (very!) short list of people who didn’t play fairly/nicely in previous Pillow Fighters Club Postal Swaps. If you sign up this time and are on this list I will contact you prior to pairing you up.
FAQs:
I’m not 100% sure of my address at that time, can I still take part?
Yes! Note this in the ‘Postal Address’ section and you can discuss with your partner via email.
Can I include secondhand things (from charity shops or wherever)?
Yes! As long as they’re in good condition. Secondhand can definitely make the budget go further though.
Will I receive a box from the same person I send one to?
Yes, you will be matched in pairs, as partners. The person you send a box to, and are given contact details for, is the same person who is sending you a box.
I’m a super lovely person and really not fussed about getting a box in return/it’s not practical but want to send one!
Oh wow, ok, email lizzy[at]thepillowfort.co.uk and I’m sure I can hook you up with a partner who can’t afford to send a box in return (but will no doubt repay you with much love and gratitude).
I really want to take part but there’s no way I can afford it :'(
Chronic illness is an expensive business, I get that. Again, email lizzy[at]thepillowfort.co.uk and I’ll see what we can do. No promises though.
Any questions? Please email lizzy [at]thepillowfort.co.uk
photo credit: andrea joseph’s illustrations via photopin cc
