INNISFAIL - With the recent snowfall over the holidays, Innisfail has put its hard-working snow angels to good use.
"We've worked really hard to recruit volunteers this year and we've got some new ones, which is great," said Karen Bradbury, community and social development coordinator for the town. "Anyone can be a volunteer but we're asking that children 14 and under have parental permission.
"This year we have some parents that are doing it with their children as a way to teach volunteerism and giving back to the community," she added.
Being a snow angel is one of several ways Innisfail residents can volunteer their time through the Neighbours Helping Neighbours program.
Snow angels help many in the community during the winter months, noted Bradbury, including those with a disability, a medical issue or the elderly.
"They will clear the walkways. For bylaw purposes, after a significant snowfall, the walkways have to be cleared within 48 hours. That helps the resident adhere to the bylaw," she said. "It allows the resident to continue to being active in the community because they're able to get out of their home.
"It also gives seniors a stress-free way to follow bylaws and keep their walkways cleared at an appropriate time, and helps seniors stay connected because they are able to safely leave their residence," explained Bradbury.
While the number of snow angels has increased since the first snowfall in October there is currently a need for more snow angels.
"We still do have a couple of people on the waiting list. There’s a couple of residents that are requiring a snow angel," said Bradbury. "Sometimes volunteers will take on two residents and some will take on three, depending on their availability," she added, noting the town has 14 snow angels helping 17 or 18 residents.
"Some of the snow angels have developed a really nice connection with their residents," she said. "It does make a positive difference for the other person.”
In addition to snow angels, residents can volunteer with garden angels in the summer months and strong hands in the spring. Both fall under the Neighbours Helping Neighbours program.
"Instead of recruiting volunteers three different times of the year, we're trying to recruit all year and use that base of volunteers for all of our programs if people are available," said Bradbury.
For more information or to volunteer as a snow angel, visit the town office or the Town of Innisfail website www.Innisfail.ca/community/programs/adult-seniors-programs
Karen Bradbury, community and social development coordinator
"This year we have some parents that are doing it with their children as a way to teach volunteerism and giving back to the community."
