OLDS — This year, the Town of Olds is working harder than ever to link seniors, those who are ill or housebound, with others willing to shovel snow for them under the Snow Angels program.
Heather Dixon, the municipality's lead community facilitator, is responsible for the program.
She says it’s been running for years in Olds, although she’s not certain how many years.
“We’ve got lots of people in our community who struggle when the snow falls, right? If they’re elderly, they could be ill," said Dixon.
“It could be a mom or a dad that's at home and their spouse or partner is away. Maybe they’ve got small kids and they’re working, the other spouse is away, it’s hard to get all of that done.
"It’s really just bringing awareness to being kind to our neighbours and being helpful.”
In the past, the municipality has encouraged residents to help out their neighbours who can’t shovel for themselves, she said.
“This year, we’re being a little more intentional and we’re asking people to contact us here at the town office if they’re willing to be a snow angel so that we can connect them with some of those people who are reaching out to us for some help,” she said.
Dixon said those snow angels could be individuals or families willing to help out.
They’ve already had one individual step forward who not only shovelled snow to help out last week but has agreed to do so for a senior couple for the remainder of the season.
"That’s our goal,” she said, adding volunteers who participate in the program are encouraged to attend the town’s volunteer appreciation event next spring.
