One in four Northern Rivers seniors live alone — and with loneliness rising sharply over Christmas, local charity Feros Care is stepping in to brighten the season with its largest-ever More The Merrier campaign.
The initiative, which began in 2020, has grown into a major cross-state effort. It delivers over 5,000 handwritten Christmas cards across Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. This year, school students, Girl Guides, and community volunteers are helping create decorated cards filled with warm, personalised messages. These are designed to remind older residents they are not forgotten.
Feros Care’s General Manager for Customer Experience and Volunteers, Greg Winfield, said these simple gestures bring extraordinary joy to seniors who may spend Christmas without family or visitors.
“We’ve been supporting older Australians for 35 years and see first-hand the absolute delight these handwritten cards bring,” Mr Winfield said. “Every card says you’re not forgotten. It’s a small gesture that can make a big emotional difference.”
Loneliness a Serious Issue for Seniors
National data shows around 25 per cent of Australians aged over 65 live alone — a figure that jumps to 43 per cent for those aged 85+. Older Australians living alone are almost three times more likely to experience loneliness.
Mr Winfield said the campaign is about creating connection as much as celebration.
“Living alone doesn’t need to feel lonely,” he said. “By expanding More The Merrier into more communities, we’re creating thousands of small moments of connection that genuinely improve wellbeing.”
Teaching Empathy to the Next Generation
Participating students and Girl Guides are also benefiting, learning about kindness, empathy, and the value of giving. Many seniors keep the cards on their fridge or coffee table for months afterward. They cherish the connection long after Christmas has passed.
How Locals Can Get Involved
Northern Rivers residents can support the campaign by donating handwritten Christmas cards or volunteering to help deliver them to seniors.
A local photo and interview opportunity will be available at St Johns Catholic School, Mullumbimby, from December 1, between 10am and 1pm on weekdays.
More information is available at feroscare.com.au/morethemerrier.
Data Sources:
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Older Australians, Housing and living arrangements. Web report. Last updated 2 July 2024.
- BMC Geriatrics. Johnstone et al. (2025). Loneliness and its associated factors in older Australians residing in retirement living communities. Article #448
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