Cards and gifts flood 99yo man as family posts social media call-out

What began as a modest request on a community Facebook group transformed into an extraordinary display of kindness for 99-year-old Cliff Kimlin. His daughter-in-law, Leone Kimlin, a nurse in Townsville, Australia, initially hoped for a few dozen birthday cards for his July 25th birthday. She was astonished by the immediate and massive response from strangers.

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I was extremely naive in thinking that I might get a couple of dozen letters.

By the time Mr. Kimlin's birthday arrived, over 500 cards and letters had flooded his nursing home and then Ms. Kimlin's home, where deliveries were redirected. The sheer volume meant the mail carrier had to get creative, sticking cards between fence slats. For Mr. Kimlin, who has always cherished receiving mail, especially as his hearing declined, this outpouring was deeply meaningful.

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There have been several afternoons where I've pulled up at home, and my letterbox is just overflowing.

This gesture brought significant joy to Mr. Kimlin, particularly after a challenging year that included the death of his son, Alan, and his move into residential care. The simple act of receiving handwritten mail provided a special connection. The celebration extended beyond cards, with surprise visits from former rugby league stars, a ride in a police car, and a special morning tea hosted by a local cafe owner, Giina Lashmar, free of charge. Former player Petero Civoniceva remarked on the community's resilience and ability to rally around each other.

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Cliff's always loved receiving mail … He would always show me if he'd got a card or a letter from someone.