Hundreds of Kamloops seniors need help from Snow Angels this winter

KAMLOOPS – Shovelling snow can be a reluctant chore for most during the winter, but for some people it's impossible.

This winter hundreds of seniors, or persons with disabilities, will need help clearing their driveways and sidewalks, and more volunteers are needed to make sure they get that help.

Debbie Smith, president of Volunteer Kamloops, says about 300 people are on the list for Snow Angels this year, a program which connects seniors or people with limited mobility to volunteers. 

"We actually have over 300 seniors already, we are short on volunteers, we really need volunteers," Smith says.

Anyone can sign up to be a Snow Angel as long as you're 12 years old, or older, because a criminal record check is required. 

"It's a great way to collect volunteer hours… or just be a part of your community," Smith says.

Snow Angels are expected to shovel their partner's driveway and sidewalk within 24 hours of snowfall, Smith says. To make things easier, volunteers are paired up with people who live nearby.

She says Dominos Pizza in Kamloops is also offering a free medium pizza to Snow Angels within 24 hours of the shovelling job.

"It’s nice to get a free treat every once in a while," she says.

To volunteer this winter, you can contact Volunteer Kamloops at 250-372-8313 or send them an email at info@volunteerkamloops.org.

"We need to look after our seniors and we are a very helpful community," Smith says. "This is going to help with preventing falls and preventing people from getting injured. Volunteers are crucial."

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