City in search of Snow Angels
Rougher winter weather means elderly, disabled need more help
We could all use a few more angels in our community this winter.
With hundreds of vulnerable seniors and disabled on a long waiting list, Windsor is putting out a call for more Snow Angels.
“The need is great, and we feel the need is going to be even greater this year,” said Vincenza Mihalo, the city’s executive director of human resources.
The area is anticipating a more normal Canadian winter this year, and that means more snow. Windsor had a mere nine registered Snow Angels to call on following last week’s big snow dump, and they were only able to clear the sidewalks outside the homes of 32 needy residents.
“We have another 151 residents waiting, and we’re expecting that to grow — we’re getting calls from all over,” said Mihalo.
Windsorites have 12 hours to clear their city-owned sidewalks following a snowfall or they face bylaw penalties. The Snow Angels are volunteers with shovels who help seniors and the disabled who cannot do the clearing on their own.
Last year, Windsor was only able to muster 30 Snow Angels, who took care of 54 city residents. But Mihalo said almost 350 other residents who called 311 to request help were left stranded.
After approaching community groups, churches and schools with high school seniors needing volunteer hours, Mihalo said the situation this year is improving. She said Monday that 10 Snow Angels were ready to go with an additional 41 volunteers currently undergoing mandatory police clearances.
The cost of the police clearances, which are conducted because of the vulnerability of those being helped, are reimbursed by the city and can be completed online. Mihalo said the city even has a limited number of shovels to share.
To become a Snow Angel, just call 311. Volunteers, who must be at least 16 years old, are paired up with residents in their own neighbourhoods, said Mihalo. Just the public sidewalks have to be snow-cleared, but if a volunteer wants to also do the driveway, that’s probably appreciated too, she added.
All registered volunteers are entered into a draw for an iPad and two $50 recreation cards.
Mihalo said coaches, referees and others working with children and youths who already have police clearances are also being encouraged to become angels in the city.
Aside from helping residents, Snow Angels who attack snow buildup are also helping those with limited mobility get around the city. According to the city, cleared sidewalks also help service providers like police and fire, mail carriers and meter readers to do their jobs safely and efficiently.