It was not long in coming.
The season's first big snowfall at the beginning of the month was nearly one for the record books with between 22 and 29 cm for Central Alberta, and one that got immediate response for the newly revived Snow Angels Program from the Innisfail Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).
And then there was last weekend with this season's second significant snowfall. About 20 cm of snow fell in Innisfail and the region.
“We had calls from a number of seniors,” said FCSS spokesperson Megan Cote earlier this month. “And we were able to provide a number of volunteers to help them.”
The program was not operated last year, but was revived this year due to better staffing and co-ordination by the Town of Innisfail.
“We operate out of the Seniors Drop-in Centre,” Cote added. “So far, we have good interest in our program, which is designed to match volunteers with those whom are unable to shovel their sidewalks during winter. Our criteria for the program is simple. You must have mobility issues which prevent safe shovelling, and there must not be anyone else in the household capable of the work.”
The FCSS has been actively seeking community volunteers and has generated a small number of committed individuals so far. “We have three shovellers who stepped up to the snow drifts this weekend, but are looking for more. As winter continues on, we know that demand will increase.”
Cote said the Snow Angels program is more than just taking snow and ice away from sidewalks and driveways. “It's all about paying it forward, reducing isolation, and building healthy relationships with your neighbours and community,” Cote commented.
Volunteers and clients can contact Cote, or Tammy Oliver-McCurdie, FCSS support services manager, at the Seniors Drop-in Centre at 403-227-7744 for more information Monday to Friday, or drop by during office hours.
