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Chilliwack, BC- The City of Chilliwack, together with the Chilliwack & Seniors’ Resources Society, is looking for volunteer ‘Snow Angels’ as we approach the winter season.
Snow removal and mobility during snowfall events can be challenging for Chilliwack’s elderly citizens and those with physical limitations. The Chilliwack & District Seniors’ Resources Society is seeking volunteers to assist seniors and disabled persons who may need help during snow events. This assistance would include clearing snow from sidewalks and entrance ways and helping residents with errands, such as grocery shopping.
“Helping our seniors and residents with mobility restrictions during snow events is the neighbourly thing to do,” said Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz. “We are looking forward to many of our community-minded residents volunteering for this inaugural program in Chilliwack and ‘earning their wings’ as Snow Angels.”
Chilliwack is not considered a ‘Winter City,’ such as Calgary, where the concept for the Snow Angel program originated, but last winter’s snowfall was a reminder of how difficult it can be to keep a City moving during a snow event. Not only do snow covered sidewalks and walkways make everyday tasks difficult for residents with mobility restrictions, they also make it hard for people who deliver services to the community to perform their jobs.
“This program is a fantastic idea,” said Lynda Hayden, Executive Director of the Chilliwack & District Seniors’ Resources Society. “It will provide a valuable service for our senior and disabled residents who would otherwise be stranded in their homes during a snow event.”
Requirements to be a snow angel include having regular access to a vehicle, physical ability to shovel snow and schedule availability to be on-call during the snow season. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Lynda Hayden at the Chilliwack & District Seniors Resource Society at 604.793.9979 or lhayden@shawbiz.ca. | 
