Paper and Packaging: Letters of Peace

Recognising the therapeutic power of expressing oneself and connecting to others via a good old-fashioned letter, The Paper and Packaging Board, has launched a campaign featuring inspiring open letters to the world written by survivors of tragedy.

The Board, which promotes the demand for paper products, collaborated with agency Cramer-Krasselt, to create the #lettersofpeace campaign featuring five ‘messengers’, who've been through horrific events, explaining how they’ve turned their traumas into inspiring, hopeful philosophies and are now dedicated to helping others heal.

Messengers include Boston Marathon bombing survivor Patrick Downes (above), who lost a leg in the 2013 terrorist attack, while his wife Jessica lost both legs. Patrick has used his experience to advocate for improved trauma care for those injured by terrorism. “It feels like I’m engaging in a conversation with people. There is something so personal about writing something down. It’s almost like an imprint of our DNA on paper,” says Downes.

Films of the survivors reading their letters have been sensitively directed by Jon E Price through My Accomplice, and you can view all five of the films, read the letters and share your own messages via the – admittedly non-papery – online platform.