There’s always a need for neighbourhood angels to watch over the community. The Town of Okotoks is looking for volunteers for its Adopt a Sidewalk program. Volunteers are paired up with a community member in their neighbourhood and clear sidewalks and driveways after each snowfall. It’s something Kelly Sauerwein has turned into a family affair. “We find it important that all members of the community are able to leave their house,” said Sauerwein. Her family of five has been a snow angel for a gentleman in their neighbourhood for the past three years. Without their help, the man wouldn’t be mobile enough to leave his house safely, she said. Even during last winter, when the snow seemed unending, the family made light work by going out together, she said. “We work together so it’s not all one person,” said Sauerwein. “Often all three of our kids would go out and work together to get it done. They realized that more than one person can get it done quicker and it’s less work for everyone.” There are also unofficial “angels” in the community, she said. Some people with snowblowers would sometimes tend to the sidewalk for the entire block, and then the Sauerwein family would only have to clear the driveway. The gentleman always appreciates when they come around, she said. “He would often come to the window and thank us, almost every time we were there he would open his window and say, ‘Thank you, I wish I could do more to say thank you,’” said Sauerwein. She said the fact he can leave his house safely and isn’t cooped up all winter due to mobility issues is thanks enough for the family’s work. And it’s not that much to ask, she said. “It doesn’t take a lot of time out of our day or out of our week,” said Sauerwein. “It’s such a good cause, and I hope more people will get involved. “We find it important that we work together to help each other out in the community and give back to those who aren’t able to necessarily help themselves for whatever reason.” Sian Anderson, Okotoks community wellness and volunteer administrator, said the Town’s recruitment for Adopt a Sidewalk is ongoing. “What generally happens is once it starts snowing, people start to realize they need help,” said Anderson. “After the first major heavy snowfall, when the snow gets heavy and stays on the ground, that’s when we tend to get a lot of people coming forward and saying they need help.” There is an income threshold for those receiving help, she said. Residents must be over 80 years old or have a disability that prohibits them from shovelling in order to access the Adopt a Sidewalk program. The Okotoks Family Resource Centre will also work with applicants who do not qualify to ensure they are accessing all available services, she said. All volunteers are screened before being matched with a community member in need, she said. Some might sign up for an entire season, and others may sign up to cover one-off situations like vacations or illnesses, she said. But helping out shouldn’t be limited to the Adopt a Sidewalk program, she said. “We also encourage everyone to be a snow angel within their own community,” said Anderson. “The program we run is the “adopt-a-driveway” side of the program, but we encourage everyone to be a snow angel in their own neighbourhood. “If you see someone who needs help you can help them without it being through the official program.”
