THE Manx public has been invited to send New Year greetings cards to offer hope to prisoners of conscience.
Local Amnesty International members have organised signing events over the next two weekends, starting today (Saturday), to mark the end of a national greetings card campaign.
The campaign offers the general public the chance to send New Year words of hope to people who are in danger or unjustly imprisoned.
Members of the local group encouraged civic, church and community groups to help make homemade cards which the general public can sign with a personal message.
Local activist Stuart Hartill said: "Over the years we've had some remarkable cards made and sent. In previous years we asked for home-made cards in the period coming up to Christmas then held signing sessions in local shops after the January sales but this is now less practical.
"Instead we've asked small community groups if they would work with us and thankfully two have stepped forward.
"Hopefully in future others will follow as their members see what we're trying to do and how the cases we work on are, rather than the stereotypical 'political prisoners' of tabloid myth, actually just people and organisations exactly like them - just trying to be good neighbours and citizens in far more oppressive environments."
The public can sign the cards today at the Onchan Pensioners Club in Morton Hall. The Isle of Man Freethinkers will be holding an open discussion at the hall entitled "Belief into action – How belief affects everyday life" which will run from 2.30pm. Cards can be signed between 3.45pm and 4.30pm alongside the post-discussion refreshments.
Next Friday, January 14, there will be a card stall at the Java Lounge, on Duke Street, Douglas as part of the Independent Cinema night which starts at 7.30pm.
On Saturday, January 15, the One World Centre will host the final card signing session as part of an open morning at their office at Thie Garey Ny Cloie, Foxdale Road, St Johns. Tea and cakes are on offer to anyone who calls in to sign cards between 10.30am and 12pm.
Community groups or individuals who are interested in how they can help the local Amnesty group should ring Stuart Hartill on 01624 814496 for more information.
