On a crisp winter morning in Airdrie, a quiet act of kindness can make all the difference. The Volunteer Airdrie Snow Angels program is a community-powered initiative that ensures vulnerable residents can safely navigate winter’s heaviest snowfalls.
The program matches volunteers with low-income seniors and people with disabilities who are unable to clear their own sidewalks and driveways.
“These individuals are often unable to afford city fines and need cleared walkways for homecare nurses, and for their own limited mobility (walkers, mobility scooters etc),” says Naomi Slipp, executive director of Volunteer Airdrie.
“It’s about helping them remain in their homes and knowing that the community cares about them.”
This winter, 16 volunteers are signed up and onboarded, with about eight heading out almost every snowfall. Their efforts support 30 low-income seniors and people with disabilities registered in the program. Not every participant needs help after each snowfall, but typically 10 to 15 requests come in whenever the snow piles up.
However, demand is growing. Compared to last season, there has been a 50 percent increase in requests for help alongside a 25 percent decrease in volunteers. That makes every cleared path even more meaningful.
“Our community thrives when we help each other, when those who can help give help to those who need it,” says Slipp.
The service helps recipients maintain independence, leave their homes safely during winter, and meet obligations such as keeping walkways clear for home-care nurses and visitors. Volunteers feel the impact too. They see the immediate results of their work, know how deeply it’s appreciated, and enjoy the bonus of physical activity.
“This is a very flexible volunteer role. If you can’t go out after a snowfall because you are too busy or feeling sick, you don’t have to. We have a whole flock of Angels to serve those who need help,” says Slipp.
“Even if you can only go out once a month that’s a huge help! This is a team effort where everyone does what they can.”
Volunteer Airdrie supports this and many other opportunities through its Better Impact platform — an online database listing more than 70 volunteer roles, with about 1,640 individuals registered. The database helps connect non-profits with volunteers who have the right skills and interests, and subscribers receive the monthly Helping Hands Herald newsletter featuring top opportunities.
Becoming a Snow Angel involves basic safety information, a background check due to working with vulnerable populations, and a short quiz to ensure volunteers are prepared. Requests are coordinated through email and a WhatsApp group after each snowfall. For safety, volunteers aren’t asked to go out if temperatures dip below -20°C (including windchill) or while snow is still falling.
To volunteer or request service, residents can email info@volunteerairdrie.ca or call 403-993-5034. Volunteer Airdrie is also seeking sponsors for the Snow Angels program and invites the community to learn more at Volunteer ConnectFest on January 11 at the Airdrie Public Library — complete with complimentary childcare and refreshments. Learn more about the Snow Angels program at volunteerairdrie.ca.
