Telegram correspondent-Colliers

The 40 members and eight adult leaders of the Immaculate Conception Youth Group of Colliers, Conception Bay, will express their nationalism in a big way on Canada Day, July 1.

Three weeks ago, the group decided to design what has become known as The Great Canadian Postcard. Measuring eight metres by two metres, the card was completed over six nights. The giant postcard, painted on sailing canvas, depicts a map of Canada flanked by two Canadian flags. The ocean areas of the map have been signed by more than 3,000 residents of Conception Bay and St. John's. The provincial and territorial flags line the top of the card which comes complete with a drawing of the last five-cent stamp issued in Newfoundland in 1947.

Group spokesperson Joan Roache explained that the whole thing started as a fun project on June 7 and was unveiled during a parish church service on June 13. Coincidentally, a member of the Canada Day Celebrations Committee happened to be in the congregation on that day.

"She approached us immediately and said that the card is going to Ottawa," says Roach who was at Bishop O'Neill Collegiate in Brigus on Thursday. "We became very excited and approached our MP Norm Doyle and MHA Tom Hedderson. Arrangements were then made to have group member, Denis Flynn, fly the card to Ottawa on June 30.

“We're hoping that Heritage Minister Sheila Copps will accept the card on behalf of the federal government and we've been told it will be displayed in a prominent place on Parliament Hill during the Canada Day celebrations. Hopefully, Prime Minister Jean Chretien will sign our card for us.”

Another adult leader, Nick Phillips, says the card has been displayed at shopping centres and schools throughout Conception Bay as well as at St. John's city hall and Confederation Building. Both St. John's Mayor Andy Wells and Premier Brian Tobin signed the card.