As so often happens, the brilliant idea came to David Torcasso while he was jogging: during these times of lockdown, why not promote communication and bring a little more love and connection into the world? And why not combine something utilitarian (his jogging) with something worthwhile. And that’s when the idea for his “love letter courier service” was born. The busy “corona cupid” created a website and launched his campaign for people who wanted to send a message but were unable to see each other due to COVID-19.

His goal is to deliver a greeting every day: “A handwritten letter is more personal and has a lot more impact compared to all these Zoom calls and e-mails. You’ll be able to dig it out and hold it in your hands 10 years later. Faded love letters are a beautiful thing”, says the romantic enthusiastically, who writes on several channels every day as an online journalist.

A busy romantic

Romance and business are not mutually exclusive. He spends the days at his home office sending hard business facts and figures out into the ether, and then goes for a relaxing jog in the evenings. For a month now, he has been taking letters along with him, which he dutifully delivers, and also takes a photo of the delivery as confirmation for the sender. “I don't really know why people trust me with their letters”, muses the 36-year-old. “Probably because they’ve got nothing to hide. I know the contents anyway, because I usually get an email with the message, which I then write by hand on a piece of paper and put in an envelope.”

Combining digital and analogue

The journalist waxes philosophical when it comes to combining the digital and analogue world. Both worlds should be combined intelligently: “I think there is no longer any need for separation, because everything is connected. But currently we’re experiencing almost nothing physical”, he adds. “Home office, Zoom meetings, online shopping, Dating apps, virtual museum tours and cultural events. Nobody gets a letter any more; we’re bombarding each other with digital messages instead. Given the current situation, physical things like letters are even more valuable than before. We should continue to cultivate this appreciation of immediate experiences even after COVID-19, while also using the digital tools that make our lives easier.” He also has some advice for Swiss Post: “Swiss Post should think about smart ways to combine conventional message delivery with digital communication. That feeling when you get a real handwritten letter or postcard through your letterbox is indescribable and can make anybody very happy!”

He continues on his mission to spread the love every day. For how much longer, the volunteer cupid does not know.