Helping your neighbours shovel snow!
How to Participate
Snow Angels – FAQ’s
Snow Angel Winners
The 2012/2013 campaign runs November 19th, 2012 to April 19, 2013.
For some, the first snow fall of the year is a welcome event. For others, the first snow fall brings worries of slipping and falling. Calgary's older adults in particular need extra help in the winter, keeping their sidewalks shovelled, ice-free and safe. Snow Angels is a campaign that encourages Calgarians to be good neighbours and help older adults, and other neighbours in need, with snow removal this winter. It is not a snow clearing program for older adults.
Will you be a Snow Angel?
All you have to do to be a Snow Angel is simply adopt an older adult's sidewalk this winter, and keep it clear. Watch for people in your neighbourhood who could use help removing snow from their sidewalks and driveways and ask if you can lend them a hand.
Alternatively, if you and your neighbours or other members of your community would like to develop a more organized snow clearing program, call the Seniors Services Division at 3-1-1.
Nominate your Snow Angel
We're asking for people who've had their sidewalk 'adopted' to send their stories to us and recognize their snow angel officially. Call 3-1-1 to tell us your story and nominate your Snow Angel.
Facts
Calgary Paramedics say that being a Snow Angel is not only being a good neighbour, but could save a life! EMS typically sees a dramatic increase in calls for cardiac illness and arrest on days with heavy snow falls. Sudden exertion like shovelling heavy snow causes your heart muscle to work extra hard. Everyone, but especially the elderly, is susceptible to cardiac injury or arrest due to over exertion. Early recognition and treatment of cardiac illness is the key!
Recognition Requests
Since 2004 the Snow Angels campaign has received 3,761 recognition requests from Calgarians.
Snow Angel Pins
Since 2004 the Snow Angels campaign has given out 5,115 pins to Snow Angels.
Snow Angel Program across Canada
The City of Calgary Snow Angels Campaign was the first of its kind in North America. However over the last several years other cities have started their own. Currently there are 20 Snow Angel programs operating in Canada.
Calgary’s older adult population is growing: Calgary's older adult (65+) population as of April 2011 was 106,515 of whom an estimated 90 percent are living independently in the community. Recent projections report that by 2015 there will be 140,200 Calgarians over the age of 65.
Bylaws regarding snow and ice
According to City Bylaws, property owners are responsible for removing ice and snow from city sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours after the snow has stopped falling.
Be a Snow Angel and ensure that everyone can safely get out and enjoy winter!
Snow Angels is proud to have CTV Calgary and the Calgary Sun as partners in this important Community Development Initiative.
