WESTLOCK – Not all angels have wings, at least not the kind that will help shovel snow this winter.
The Westlock and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) are looking for volunteers or ‘snow angels’ for the program that encourages Westlock residents to help clear their sidewalks or driveways.
The program started last winter and had residents call in to request to have their snow shovelled by a volunteer, the latter who were then matched with someone registered for the program. This year, FCSS is taking a different approach.
“When the program started, we had an idea that we would have maybe a dozen or 15 calls and we had substantially more,” said FCSS program coordinator Carol Kassian. “Last year we were inundated with many requests and did not have enough volunteers to go around. It created a bit of a challenge for us so, mid-year we changed gears and we came up with the (snow angel) sign program.”
Other communities across Alberta have similar programs, although there are differences noted Kassian, adding they want to emphasize that when people see a sign posted on a property, they consider helping that person out and shovel their driveway, walkway, or front steps.
“We want to encourage people to be neighbourly and if they see the sign posted, that they do the neighbourly thing and help the individual shovel their sidewalk or driveway — whatever their capacity is,” said Kassian, noting that volunteers do not need to register for the program, only those requesting a snow angel must do so. “We’re just wanting to try and help people be safe in their home for as long as possible.”
Residents requesting a snow angel can register at the FCSS office and will be given a sign at the beginning of winter, typically in November and will keep the sign until the spring.
“We will track the individuals that are requesting the signs,” explained Kassian. “The program is targeted to seniors or individuals with chronic illnesses or a physical disability, that makes it very difficult for them to shovel snow.”
There is a need for such a program noted Kassian, pointing out one of the goals of FCSS is prevention and taking preventative measures. “The point with the snow angel program under that umbrella, is that we want to help people be safe in their homes … and that we want to prevent an accident from happening.”
Kassian said she is asking all potential ‘snow angels’ to keep their eyes open for any signs posted in the community.
“Volunteers are welcome. If you’re comfortable shovelling your sidewalk and want to help out someone else, that would be a wonderful thing,” said Kassian.
