SNOW ANGELS CANADA
Founder - Lincoln McCardle. Across Canada.
Program Description
“Snow Angels Canada is an experiment in kindness: a way for Canadians to request assistance shoveling or to find others in need of such assistance. Whichever category you may fit into we hope Snow Angels Canada will serve your needs.”
“All our website does is introduce the two parties, and then it’s up to them to make arrangements via email.”
“Let’s be honest, shoveling snow kind of sucks. We recommend, for both safety reasons and to increase the fun factor, that you form a ‘halo’ – a group of friends and/or neighbors when out shoveling. Our easy-to-use website allows you to find other Snow Angels in your area make it a social event…There is strength in numbers and not only is the shoveling easier we heard the cocoa afterwards even tastes better!”
-snowangelscanada.ca
Snow Angels Canada is a national network that connects nearby volunteers looking to help elderly and those with physical disabilities with snow removal. Snow removal services can be offered as a regular maintenance over the winter months or in particular during heavy snowfall and storms.
The Snow Angels Canada website connects volunteers with seniors and others in need through Google Maps which is used to match volunteers with individuals requiring snow removal services in their area.
Those looking for free snow removal assistance register and their request shows up as a snowflake icon on the map. Volunteers who are registered in nearby postal codes view the location icon and can offer free assistance.
The program is accepting volunteers across Canada to meet demand.
Those looking to help older adults but are unable to shovel snow can help by spreading word of the free volunteer led service on social media.
The Snow Angels Canada website states that they are a solely a matching tool to make connections and are not responsible for damage, loss of property, safety or injuries.
The winter months can be a large source of stress for older adults who are unable to manage snowfall removal by themselves. Seeking snow removal assistance can be a large relief to many seniors.
Older adults are often advised not to shovel snow due to health and safety risks such as:
Risk of Heart Attack - shoveling snow is a strenuous activity requiring physical exertion and cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure and heart rate, which increases the risk of a heart attack, especially for those with underlying heart conditions.
Slips and Falls - snow and ice creates conditions to make it easy to slip and fall. Older adults are at a higher risk of serious injuries, such as broken bones or fractures and may lead to long recovery times or complications.
Exertion and Overexertion - shoveling snow involves lifting heavy amounts of snow, which can strain muscles and joints. Those with arthritis, limited mobility, or muscle weakness, can find it physically taxing and are at higher risk of injuries like sprains, strains, or back problems.
Dehydration and Fatigue - cold weather can make it harder for people to recognize when they are becoming fatigued or dehydrated. Seniors are more vulnerable to exhaustion during snow removal, which can lead to fainting or other health issues.
Breathing Issues - cold, dry air can make it harder to breathe, especially for seniors with respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases. The effort of shoveling can complicate an already strained respiratory system.
Limited Reaction Time - older adults may have slower reaction times, making it harder for them to prevent falls or injuries when faced with sudden icy patches or when carrying heavy snow.
source:snowangelscanada.ca, barrietoday.com ‘Snow Angels spread kindness, build community in Simcoe County’
Aging Programs
Senior Safety
General Senior Safety
Home Repair Assistance
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