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New snow shovelling program for seniors

There’s nobody like a snow buddy

For the first time in Kitimat a program is starting that aims to pair up a senior who needs their walkways and driveways shovelled with someone who is willing to do it.

There are similar programs that run already in other parts of the Northwest, including Terrace.

Kitimat Better at Home coordinator Jodi Johnson said they are trying to do something new this year because the demand is there.

“In order for us to keep all the seniors safe through the winter and with access, we don’t have enough volunteers or a big enough budget to contract snow removal out,” she said. “We don’t want to leave anyone behind.”

While they have a lot of seniors in need, the program is lacking volunteers.

Johnson is hoping for a big pool of people so that if there is a lot of snowfall this winter, people don’t get burnt out.

“Anyone who is available [can volunteer], snow can come and keep coming and coming, so we need people who are always available,” Johnson said. “If they are able and willing to adopt their street or any seniors in their neighbourhood, those are the only prerequisites. And volunteers will go through a criminal record check.”

Anyone interested in helping out can call Johnson or Terry Runions at 250-632-3144.



Marisca Bakker

About the Author: Marisca Bakker

Marisca was born and raised in Ontario and moved to Smithers almost ten years ago on a one-year contract.
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