Winnipeg, MB - Today, the Honourable Sharon Blady, Minister of Healthy Living and Seniors and Mayor Sam Katz, kicked off Winnipeg’s new “Snow Angels” campaign. The Age Friendly Winnipeg initiative encourages Winnipeggers to become a volunteer “Snow Angel” and help older adults and those with disabilities, by clearing snow from their driveways and sidewalks.
Winnipeg’s Snow Angels program is funded though a $60,000 contribution by the Province of Manitoba to the City of Winnipeg to support various Age Friendly initiatives.
“With 100 communities participating in the Age-Friendly Manitoba Initiative, the province is well on its way to becoming the most age-friendly province in Canada,” said Minister Blady. “I would like to congratulate the City of Winnipeg for their contribution to this success by introducing the Snow Angel Program, an initiative that will help citizens of all ages and abilities.”
“Anyone who can lend a little time and effort to keep sidewalks and steps clear of snow for seniors and people with mobility issues can be a Snow Angel,” said Mayor Katz. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Winnipeggers, including youth and students, to make a real difference and to make winter safer and more enjoyable for their neighbours.”
The Snow Angel program encourages people to watch in their neighbourhoods for people who need assistance with snow removal, and then lending a hand to clear driveways and sidewalks. Un-cleared walkways also make it difficult for regular services to be provided such as emergency response services, mail delivery, and meter reading.
Anyone wanting to become a “Snow Angel” should look for neighbours who may need assistance or connect with a local community organization to offer assistance to those in need of snow clearing help.
With the launch of today’s Snow Angel program, Winnipeg joins other Snow Angel communities such as Calgary, Edmonton and Coquitlam.