There's something truly magical about sending a card that makes the world feel just a little bit brighter!
The simple act of sharing a card has the power to lift spirits, bring people closer, and create ripples of joy throughout our communities. That's why #Cardmitment created by the GCA (Greeting Card Association) is all about spreading the cheer and reminding everyone just how wonderful it is to send a card and to deliver a smile!
Cards matter, and they do so much more than just look pretty on the mantelpiece. They bring smiles, boost wellbeing, and strengthen connections, both for the sender and the lucky recipient. A heartfelt card can light up someone's day in a way that a text or email just can't match. And let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like waking up on your birthday and finding a stack of cards waiting for you, each one filled with thoughtful messages and love. That moment? Pure joy!
At Christmas, cards add an extra sparkle to our homes, brightening the winter chill and reminding us of the people we hold dear. And let’s not forget—sending cards supports small businesses, helps raise money for charities that are close to our hearts, and keeps the Royal Mail service running.
It’s a small act that makes a big difference!
When you take the time to pick out a card, write a personal message, and pop it in the post, it shows the recipient that they’re truly special. It’s that personal touch that makes a card so much more meaningful than a quick digital message.
So, let’s all embrace the joy of sending cards and keep the tradition alive—it’s a simple, heartfelt way to make the world a better place!
Who Are The GCA?
The Greeting Card Association is the vibrant voice of the UK's greeting card industry, they represent 500 publishers, retailers, suppliers and all of those who help make the world of greeting cards so special.
They work tirelessly to promote the joy of sending cards through media campaigns and by supporting their members in growing their businesses. We love to take part in as many campaigns as possible from 'Thinking of You Week' to 'Festive Friday'.
The GCA also plays a crucial role in protecting the future of the greeting card industry, lobbying the government and collaborating with card associations around the world.
Use it Or Lose it
Losing our postal service would have a devastating impact on the UK, and the ‘Use It or Lose It’ campaign created by the GCA, urgently draws attention to this growing crisis.
With rising stamp prices and the increasing unreliability of postal services, we are at serious risk of losing this vital service. In past year, the price of a first-class stamp has soared by 22%, now costing a staggering £1.65! This has been the 5th price increase in 3 years. Meanwhile, cuts to the second-class postal service have left many people adjusting to poor service, with daily second-class mail deliveries becoming a thing of the past.
We’ve also become accustomed to faster, premium alternatives, like Amazon Prime, but there are real, heart breaking results to the decline of affordable postal services. Missed hospital appointments, lost documents, and delayed correspondence are just a few examples of how people’s lives are already being affected. Without our stamped mail services, sending letters and cards would become much more expensive.
Ofcom and Royal Mail have also announced plans to chop the second class post down to three or even two days a week – and end Saturday second class deliveries. This decrease in 2nd class deliveries could result in killing off affordable posting for good.
Royal Mail is a cherished part of British tradition, especially at Christmas when millions of cards and parcels are exchanged through iconic red post boxes and post offices. Losing this end-to-end universal service, at an affordable level, would not only strain personal connections, particularly for the older generations, but also impact charities and communities.
The message is clear: if we don’t act now, we risk losing a service that has connected the UK for generations, with far-reaching costs for both our economy and our communities.
Message from Kate...
"I support the "Use it or lose it" principle because we must not let the demise of second-class stamps - or our postal service - become a reality. The penny post and the concept of the postage stamp allowed us to enjoy a universal service, connecting people through post, letters, and cards.
While technology has replaced some of these connections, the postal service, as a basic service and principle, is on par with great institutions like the NHS and the railways.
Anecdotally, I’m reminded of my A-Level History project on mining and railways in Cornwall. Most branch lines, tirelessly built for the mining industry, were decommissioned and no longer exist. If the railways had survived at a truly local level for just a decade longer, the change in Cornwall’s travel and tourism landscape would be significant.
Now, millions are being spent buying back land and creating cycle routes to support green travel, recreation, and health and wellbeing. These once-thriving railway lines are a cautionary tale of what happens when we don’t value infrastructure until it’s gone."
GCA members are marching through the streets of London, carrying a red post box on their shoulders and bringing it to the Houses of Parliament. This action symbolises the rising cost of stamps, which are becoming unaffordable for many people.
Links to external news stories featuring Kate:
‘Use it or lose it’ direct action by GCA - Progressive Greetings