When the snow starts to fall, some Airdrie residents struggle to keep their sidewalks clear and this year, the City is encouraging residents to take matters into their own hands.
For years, Community Links’ Senior Outreach Program has co-ordinated the Snow Angel service, pairing volunteers with residents in need of help. This year, the program is struggling to keep up and Clay Aragon, Family and Community Support Services co-ordinator, is asking residents to take initiative.
“A snow angel does not have to be a co-ordinated action,” he said.
“You can be a snow angel and pay it forward just by looking out in your community and finding the neighbours who are in need of some help.”
According to Aragon, a snow angel is someone who voluntarily helps older adults and others in need, clearing snow from their driveways and sidewalks.
“Take care of your neighbours,” he said. “Go out and help. It is a good way to meet people in your neighbourhood. Airdrie is a community that’s well known for supporting each other.”
The City’s snow clearing bylaw requires residents to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours.
“There are certain liabilities that come with not shovelling your walkway and we want to ensure our communities are safe to walk in,” said Aragon.
“Take the extra 15 minutes out of your day to help prevent a fall.”
Aragon said the City is thankful for the residents who do their part to ensure Airdrie keeps its community spirit.
