Do you have a snow shovel, a smile and a desire to help a neighbour in need?
The City of Vancouver is asking for volunteers to help clear sidewalks for seniors and people with limited mobility this winter as part of its ongoing Snow Angels program.
In order to qualify for the program, the city asks that you are reasonably fit and have a 'sense of personal safety.' In other words, you should ensure you are hydrated, feeling well, and aren't overexerting yourself. Volunteers should also stretch before they shovel and wear warm, waterproof winter clothing.
Once chosen, newly inducted angels are added to a roster of like-minded volunteers who receive notice when a resident with limited mobility has requested assistance. The program works via the city’s VanConnect app or through calling the 3-1-1 information line. Once a service request is made, city staff then link up the two parties.
When you’re on the roster, you will:
- Receive requests from the Snow Angel Coordinator
- If needed, pick up salt from a City facility to aid in your efforts
- If accepted, go to assigned locations when able to during snowfalls this winter season
- Present a good public image as a City representative
- Wear appropriate clothing to clear snow
- You are not asked to clear private property or initiate contact with residents
- Please politely refuse gifts and money from those you help
- If you’d like, share your experience with the Snow Angel Coordinator at snowangels@vancouver.ca
The city also offers the following snow removal tips for everyone to keep sidewalks and streets safe for people walking, driving, and cycling:
- Clear snow and ice from the full width of sidewalks that surround your property by 10:00 a.m. every day.
- Shovel snow onto your property, away from the road and sidewalk
- Clear storm drains of leaves and snow to prevent flooding
- Ask someone to clear your sidewalk if you're away or unable to or request a Snow Angel
- With files from John Kurucz
