Kiki Klassen started the Lucky Duck Mail Club not long before last year’s Canada Post strike and spent about five hours driving around communities neighbouring her St. Catharines, Ont., home delivering envelopes.
“People were absolutely shocked. They had no idea how it got there,” laughed Klassen
“People were messaging me on Instagram: ‘You’re incredible. How did you do this?’ And meanwhile, I’m in my car with this thing. I literally printed out like I was in high school, trying to go to my friend’s house, like a MapQuest route,” said Klassen, 28.
But the artist’s mailing list has grown since then and now about 1,000 people from 30 countries have signed up for a monthly mail out of an original print, a quote of the month and messages of affirmation.
She said she won’t be hand delivering her letters during the latest Canada Post dispute.
“Unfortunately, I am holding on to it this time, and I know that mail will return eventually. And so I just kind of issued a little notice to all my followers and my mail club members that we’re just gonna have to wait this time.”
Picket lines went up last week, shortly after the federal government promised to overhaul the Crown corporation to stabilized its finances, including putting an end to home delivery.
Canada Post presented a new offer on Friday and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers said it was reviewing the proposal, but in a statement Friday said it was disappointed with latest offer, suggesting it was a “major step backwards.”
The corporation said all mail and parcels in the postal network would be delivered once operations resume.
Klassen said she “completely stands” with the postal workers, after all, it’s in her blood.
She said the Lucky Duck Mail Club is the “perfect blend of two worlds of having a way to express myself and also honour my Mom’s profession.”
Klassen’s mother, who passed away last summer, was a unionized Canada Post worker.
“She was one of the people that other employees could go to with their concerns. It was always really cool to see her stand up for her rights, stand up for other people, and it was so inspiring,” said Klassen, “She was a tough cookie for sure.”
Her mother fought for rights of the workers on picket lines and Klassen said she recalls them dropping off Timbits to other striking members as a gesture of support.
“It’s none of their fault. This is out of everybody’s control, and the best thing we can do is just keep the negative comments to a minimum,” said Klassen of the striking workers.
She also understands the strike is harming a lot of small businesses, including her Lucky Duck club where she’s had a dip in subscribers.
“I make art from my heart and because I love it, and so the money is not a huge issue for me. I am devastated to not be able to share these things that bring people joy,” said Klassen, “Getting happy mail is so special and unique, and not being able to give that to people, … it’s just a really big bummer.”
She said one of the key takeaways from her mail out is the idea of slowing down, being patient, positive and hopeful.
“So, just trying to keep the energy high and the kindness at an even higher rate.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 4, 2025.
Nono Shen, The Canadian Press
