Snow Angels

Snow Angels Guidelines

• A snow angel is not a person living at the same address at the nominator.
• Limit of one gift package per recipient per winter.
• Limit of one gift package per nominator/address per winter.​

Why clear snow for a neighbour in need?

• It feels good to help your neighbours.
• If you are a high school student, your assistance to a senior can be counted as community involvement ​hours.
• It's a great way for neighbours to get to know one another.
• When driveways and walkways are free of ice and snow, it helps everyone in your neighbourhood go about their daily activities safely and without fear, and supports their ability to live independently.

What does a Snow Angel do?

Almost anyone can be a Snow Angel. All you need to do is:

• Choose one or more neighbours you'd like to help. When you're out and about in your neighbourhood, keep an eye out for neighbours who could use a hand.
• Wait for the snow to fall.
• Grab your gear. All you need is warm clothing, a shovel or snow blower, and salt or sand to apply where needed (or use the homeowner's if offered). 
• Lend a hand. You can help your neighbour clear as much or as little snow as you like. You can help with clearing a driveway, walkways and/or the windrow (the snow left behind by the snow plow).

How to ask neighbours if they need help:

Often Snow Angels don't ask, they just help. That's what makes it so neighbourly! So, if you feel like it and are able to do so, just go ahead and shovel for a neighbour without saying anything.

However, you may feel more comfortable helping if you've chatted with the neighbour first. It's also a nice opportunity to get to know one another a bit more and even develop new friendships. You also never know - the person you help with snow removal, may be able to help you with something you need someday!

Here are some sample phrases and wording to try out when making that first contact/connection:

• "My family/I enjoy being outside and getting fresh air, even in winter! We were wondering if we could lend you a hand with snow shovelling this winter."
• "I/we would like to help you out with snow removal this year. Would that be okay with you?"
• "Some people in our neighbourhood are pledging to help others out with snow removal when possible this winter. Would you like to be on my/our list?" 

Remember: Safety First!

Helping someone shovel their driveway and sidewalk is a kind gesture but please remember to take precautions for your own health and safety too. Here are some helpful tips:

• Stretch before you shovel 
• Wear layered clothing to stay warm 
• Use an ergonomic-shaped snow shovel to help reduce back pain 
• Lift with your knees, not your back
• Clear ice and snow as soon as possible to prevent build-up 
• After removing snow, apply salt/or sand where necessary
• Know your limits - do not over-exert yourself or risk your own health