Yardwork program connects seniors with workers

WATERLOO REGION — Spring brings the start of the yardwork season, but maintaining a yard can be too rigorous a chore for many seniors who then may not be able to stay in their home.

Matching seniors who need help with yard maintenance to people who are happy to do the outdoor work is a seasonal task for Community Support Connections. Each year, the charitable organization recruits and screens independent workers for clients in Cambridge and Kitchener.

“It is a really simple support that doesn’t take a lot of time,” said Rosalind Horne, major gifts and engagement lead with Community Support Connections.

During the pandemic that’s shuttered many businesses, Horne said it’s an opportunity to earn money for people who have lost their job or hours. People can have just a few clients or many.

A hundred clients are on the wait list to get help with yardwork for a reasonable hourly fee. Last year, workers responded to more than 5,000 requests such as cutting grass and gardening.

“The clients are so appreciative and thankful,” Horne said. “Most of the clients have the equipment. They just need someone to come and do the work.”

Peter Maltais has been doing that work for nearly three years.

“It’s such a good cause. There’s so many wonderful elderly people out there,” he said.

The Kitchener man is semiretired and it seemed like a great opportunity to get exercise and be outdoors, while earning some extra money. His own lawn is small and he loves seeing the homeowners’ smiling faces when he’s done. “Having them happy makes me happy,” said Maltais, 58. “Some of the time, it’s the only person they get to see.”

He didn’t anticipate that meaningful personal connection when signing up.

“I’ve met some super, super people,” Maltais said. “I wasn’t really thinking about that part of it.”

His 83-year-old father still lives in his own house and needs a little help staying on top of his yardwork.

“One day I’m going to be there too,” Maltais said. “I want to stay in my house as long as possible.”

Horne said a lot of the clients have lived in their home for decades and have fond memories of sharing it with children who are now grown or a spouse who has passed away.

“They really treasure being able to stay in their home,” she said.

Failure to properly maintain a yard can lead to warnings or fines from the local municipality.

Community Support Connections is always looking for workers to help with yardwork in the summer and shovelling in the winter.

Find out more by calling Community Support Connections at 519-772-8787 or go to communitysupportconnections.org.