Thursday, December 19, 2013

Direct Swap - Salla from Finland

In July I read a Forum post looking for some help obtaining a First Day Cover (FDC) from Canada. Salla is a 17 living in Kalajoki, Finland and LOVES the Canadian band Rush. She heard that Canada Post was about to do a stamp issue and wanted to swap for a postcard and/or FDC. Now that is a request you do not hear everyday - how could I not try to help! The stamps and postcard were no problem, however the FDC was sold out almost the same day. I was able to order one over the telephone, however when my order was to be fulfilled it never did. Nor did anyone call me, even after 6 weeks. Nor did anyone tell me when I called to follow up. The agent I spoke with at Canada Post who ultimately broke the news to me did get a bit of an earful from me. Imagine my surprise when a few days later an FDC arrived in my mailbox with a short note saying "With our compliments" along with an apology". I called to speak with the agent to try and understand how one had been found. After we spoke she could sense my frustration and went to her local Post Office, purchased an FDC on her own dime and mailed it to me. To say her kindness brought a tear to my eye is an understatement. I was so pleasantly shocked! Salla loved the package I put together for her - the Canada Post magazine detailing the stamp issue, a postcard, the FDC and a few other small flat items. In return, she sent me a great fridge magnet, a woven patch of the Finnish flag and some straw Christmas ornaments that are very typically Finnish. A few days later a card of her hometown also arrived. A great swap and I was thrilled to be able to help her.

Have you ever had a complete stranger do something so unexpectedly kind?




PS - I cannot locate my picture of the items Salla sent to me, figures, I will post that at a later time or take another :)




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