T
he Snow Angels program is a part of the Community Support Centre of Essex
County and provides snow removal services free of charge to people aged 65
and older or to those under 65 living with a disability. The program includes
the municipal sidewalk along the front of the home, the porch and a path from the
driveway to the road. For the Snow Angel program in Windsor the service provided
is just clearing the snow on the city sidewalk and anything more than that is up to
the volunteer to decide.
Windsor receives a monthly average of 28.5 cm of snow from December to
March. For residents who are able bodied, this is barely anything in terms of
snowfall compared to cities farther North in Canada. These residents could easily
avoid the up to $5000 fine for uncleared walks, as per by-Law number 8544.
However, not everyone is physically able to keep up with the snow and the cold.
A quick glance at the census numbers over the years shows that Windsor’s
senior population is growing. Windsor has more than 56,000 residents aged 65 and
older according to Statistics Canada, which is 17.2 per cent of the city’s total
population. This is an increase of 19.28 per cent from the 2011 census. Carly Wood,
program coordinator for the CSC Snow Angels, program believes the increase in
volunteers for the Snow Angels program can only help the increasing senior
population.
“CSC Snow Angels help clear snow for those who cannot. Snow removal allows
our community seniors the ability to pick up the newspaper at the end of their
driveways. Provides a clear path for our volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels to our
client’s door. Provides our clients a clear path to walk to utilize our transportation
services,” said Wood.
A City of Windsor news release said snow removal is important because, “not
only is snow build-up a potential hazard to those with limited mobility, but it also
makes it difficult for service providers like police and fire, mail carriers, and meter
readers to do their jobs safely and efficiently.”
The age of the Snow Angel volunteers ranges from 14 to 65 years-old. Wood said
the younger volunteers get involved to help people in their community as well as to
earn community service hours that are required to graduate from high school.
Roger Donais is a Lakeshore resident and a retiree himself who volunteers for
the Snow Angels.
December 2017/January 2018 - The HUB 23