A local boy is receiving postcards from around the world after making a birthday wish.
Jaxson Squires, age six, has received postcards from as far as Korea, Australia and Peru after his mother put out the word that he wanted to receive mail from around the world for his birthday in September.
“He has some family in PEI, so we had asked if they would send him a postcard and I asked a few other friends in Canada and a friend in the states if they would send him a postcard or just a letter, hoping to at least get one or two things for his wish, and then it blossomed form there,” explains Jaxson’s mom, Jesse Squires.
The friends and family members then put the call out to others, who further spread the word, and now Jaxson’s collection covers his bedroom wall, along with a map showing where all the postcards, and other mail, have come from.
In addition to postcards, Jaxson has received letters, Halloween and Christmas cards, drawings, snacks from Korea, and stamps — including a large jar someone had collected and decided to pass on to him.
Jaxson was already collecting stamps with his Opa (great grandfather) and was excited to show him the stamps he’s received.
Each piece of mail Jaxson receives is another opportunity for him to learn about a new city or country, but so far he says the most exciting thing he’s received came from right here in Castlegar, from his mailman.
“Jaxson had thought the other day that it would be nice to say thank you to the mailman for delivery all his mail from around the world, so he drew him a picture of him delivering the mail and a little thank you note on it,” says Jesse. “And the next day the mailman gave him a nice thank you card for brightening up his day, with a little colouring book.”
Mail continues to arrive and Jesse says it’s interesting to see how long it takes mail to arrive from each place. She’d like to thank everyone who has made her son’s dream come true.
“I would really like to thank everybody that has gone out of their way because it really is amazing,” she said.
Jesse also wanted to thank Lorraine Kanigan, who has been sharing Jaxson’s story and brought it to the attention of the Castlegar News.