Volunteer Airdrie Society's Snow Angel Program is off to a strong start this winter season, with eight seniors and 11 volunteers already signed up.
While this marks a slight decrease from last year’s numbers, when 17 seniors and about 20 volunteers participated, there’s been a noticeable uptick in registrations following recent snowfalls. As Airdrie grows, so does the demand for this vital service.
The mission behind the Snow Angel Program is simple yet impactful: neighbours helping neighbours. In a rapidly expanding city like Airdrie, where not all residents may have access to immediate help, the program plays a key role in ensuring that seniors, those with disabilities, and others in need can maintain safe, accessible walkways during the harsh winter months.
"In a rapidly growing city like Airdrie, that's not always possible where your immediate neighbour is going to be ready, willing, and able to help you," said Dave Maffitt with the Volunteer Airdrie Society. "What we're trying to do is just match up and connect people within Airdrie with people in need to provide those seniors with peace of mind.”
For seniors, the Snow Angel Program offers peace of mind and the ability to safely age at home without the worry of receiving fines for not clearing their sidewalks.
"From a senior point of view, I think it's really important that they have that ability and peace of mind, that there are people in Airdrie willing to help them out," he added. "It allows them to live with some dignity and continue to live at home, especially when they don’t have any friends or family nearby to help them out."
The program isn’t just a lifeline for seniors but also provides fulfilling volunteer opportunities. Maffitt noted that many residents are eager to contribute to their community, and the program offers a way to make a tangible difference.
"People are definitely looking for things to do...and I think we've come up with a really good system for matching those people up when they're available," he said. "It’s very, very satisfying, very fulfilling, personally, and you do connect with other people and build that social capital in our community.”
Over the years, Maffitt has witnessed the program's lasting impact through personal stories from volunteers and seniors. One recent moment that particularly stands out to him was when he shoveled the walkway for a senior who needed to get to Genesis Place for a morning program.
"She made a point of coming out the front door and thanking me personally for responding on such short notice," Maffitt recalled. "It’s heartwarming to know you’ve helped someone when they really needed it."
Another memorable story involved the program’s rapid response to an urgent request.
"Our Better Impact volunteering database has become an incredible resource for the community," he explained.
With over 1,600 volunteers, including 1,300 from Airdrie, the system allows quick coordination when immediate help is needed.
"I remember a couple of years ago getting desperate phone calls from seniors who needed help shovelling out of their garage before a medical appointment. Within 10 minutes of emailing our volunteer group, we had several people respond, and within the hour, volunteers were clearing snow to help them get to their appointments."
The Snow Angel Program supports seniors, those with disabilities, and the broader Airdrie community. Volunteers, who must be at least 15 years old, undergo a screening process that includes background checks, interviews, and safety training before they are matched with clients. Volunteers are contacted after each snowfall to clear snow from walkways, with priority given to those living nearby.
The program is free of charge and available to seniors (65+) or individuals with disabilities who do not have family or neighbours to assist them. It is important to note that the program only applies to occupied homes, and volunteers are unavailable for vacant properties. Service is not guaranteed during extreme weather conditions, such as below -20.
Clients should not offer monetary compensation to volunteers, as it would void the program’s insurance coverage; however, donations to Volunteer Airdrie are always appreciated to help support the program’s efforts.
Airdrie residents who wish to sign up for snow-clearing services or to volunteer can contact Volunteer Airdrie at info@volunteerairdrie.ca or by phone or text at (403) 993-5034.
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