With winter at a close, the Helping Hands Snow Helper program has hung up its shovels after another successful season.
A subsidiary of Helping Hands, the Snow Helpers program recruits volunteers across Cochrane to shovel the walkways and driveways of fellow neighbours who are unable to clear snow themselves due to age, illness, injury, or medical conditions.
“I am very thankful for the program,” said Karen Falk, Cochrane resident and volunteer for Cochrane’s Dementia and Other Therapies/Services (DOTS).
Falk has received aid from the Snow Helpers program since it began in 2015 after falling down and injuring her shoulder while walking her dogs.
“With the surgeries I had, I couldn’t shovel snow or lift any weight,” said Falk.
“It was nice to have somebody take care of me.”
Falk was paired with a young couple, as well as a mother with three children that all pitched in to shovel her snow.
“It was a highlight to my day to see their smiling faces at the door,” said Falk.
“It’s a very simple skill to some, but a gift for others.”
For her first winter registered in the program, Madge Weskow was matched with the Tas family who lived on the same street, which included Sarah Tas, her husband, Paul Tas, and their three children Simone, 12, Hannah, 11, and Thomas, 9.
“It is a very, very positive thing to have for older people that can’t do things for themselves,” said Weskow, Cochranite and volunteer at Seniors for Kids in Cochrane.
“Along with getting outside for some fresh air, meeting neighbours, and creating community, it’s good exercise,” said Sarah.
Throughout the season, the family would work together to clear the front and back walkways at Weskow’s home, or often just send the kids over to handle the task.
“The kids took turns in rotations, I think they had a lot of satisfaction knowing that they were the little helpers around the neighbourhood,” said Sarah.
“I was very grateful, they did a much better job than I would have done,” said Weskow.
Those interested in registering with the Snow Helpers can email [email protected]..
