INNISFAIL - The Town of Innisfail is calling out for snow angels.
With the recent snowfall there is a need for a few extra hands to help shovel snow for Innisfail residents, particularly seniors.
To help fill that need and encourage more snow angels, the town has decided to pay a stipend to volunteers and participants of the Snow Angel Program.
"It was a volunteer position but there were some challenges with recruiting volunteers," said Karen Bradbury, community and social development coordinator with the town. "We were looking at other ways that we might still be able to offer the program (and) recruit individuals."
Snow angels will be paid a flat rate on a per-visit basis, noted Bradbury.
"We will pay a small fee per visit when a driveway (or walkway) is done. After a snowfall, in order to meet bylaw requirements, the walkways and driveways have to be (shovelled) around the residence," she said, noting there is no age limit for those who wish to apply to be a snow angel.
"Anyone can be a snow angel but people under the age of 14 have to have parental permission," explained Bradbury, noting there are a couple of youth and adults currently interested in volunteering as snow angels so far this season.
Although the numbers of volunteers are down this year, there remains a big need for snow angels.
"We still have about nine individuals, nine seniors, that are waiting for a snow angel," said Bradbury. "We still have some people interested but we're waiting for their volunteer application to be submitted. I can't match them until we have that volunteer application."
People needing a snow angel can fill out a registration form while participants are asked to complete an application, either in person or online via the town's website.
"We'll do our best to try and match a volunteer that is close to (a senior's) area," she said, adding that while supplies last they will give participants who sign up to be a snow angel a $5 Subway gift card and a winter kit that includes a hat, scarf and mittens.
Applications can be completed online and emailed to Bradbury.
"There is definitely a need," said Bradbury, noting that anyone at any time can be a snow angel in Innisfail.
"You don't necessarily have to be registered with the town to be a snow angel. You still have the ability to be a help to your neighbour wherever you are."
For more information contact Karen Bradbury at 403-227-3376 or [email protected]
Karen Bradbury, the town's community and social development coordinator
"It was a volunteer position but there were some challenges with recruiting volunteers. We were looking at other ways that we might still be able to offer the program (and) recruit individuals."
