Volunteer as a Snow Angel

Request a Snow Angel

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  How to request help

  If you need help clearing your sidewalk, we encourage you to first talk to your neighbours, friends, and family members for assistance. You can also check with local community groups, schools, or churches for volunteers who may be able to help you clear your sidewalk.

  If you still need a hand, contact us when it is snowing and sticking at least 1 centimeter on the sidewalk. We will try to connect you with a Snow Angel in your area.

  Phone 3-1-1 to request a Snow Angel. 

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  How it works

  • Upon a snowfall, make a request if you need assistance. This only needs to be done once.
  • If available, a Snow Angel will clear the public portion of your sidewalk for the season. We cannot ask Snow Angel volunteers to clear your private property pathway.
  • If you no longer need your Snow Angel, follow up with us so we can reassign them to someone else in need.

Become a Snow Angel

A clear sidewalk can help ensure safe access so that they can access medical appointments and receive care, and also help other neighbours get around throughout the winter. 

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  What you need

  Do you have these things?

  • Desire to help a neighbour in need
  • Snow shovel and warm clothing – we have salt that you can pick up
  • Good fitness and a sense of personal safety – read our safety tips
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  How it works and sign up to volunteer

  As a Snow Angel volunteer, you are added to a roster of likeminded helpers who receive notice when a resident with limited mobility has requested assistance. 

  When you’re on the roster, you will: 

  1. Find and adopt locations in need (locations will appear once snow is on the ground) 
  2. If needed, pick up salt from a City facility to aid in your efforts
  3. Go to adopted locations during snowfalls this winter season, when able
     • Present a good public image as a City representative
     • Wear appropriate clothing to clear snow
     • You are not asked to clear private property or initiate contact with residents
     • Please politely refuse gifts and money from those you help
  4. If you’d like, share your experience with the Snow Angel Coordinator at snowangels@vancouver.ca

  Sign up to be a Snow Angel

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  Tips for volunteers

  Before you shovel

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Dress warmly and in layers.
  • Wear proper shoes or boots.
  • Wear high-visibility clothing.
  • Stretch your body.
  • Watch your back.
  • Avoid caffeine and nicotine.
  • Avoid eating large meals.

  If you're feeling unwell or are at risk of an injury, decline the request and we'll find another Snow Angel.

  While you shovel

  • Take your time – especially with wet, heavy snow.
  • Take short breaks every 15 minutes.
  • Watch your step – don't slip on ice.
  • Push, don't lift.
  • Use your legs, not your back.
  • Avoid twisting.
  • Avoid piling snow higher than 1 m.
  • Avoid tossing snow farther than 1 m.
  • Limit the snow weight in your shovel to 6 – 12 kg, depending on your pace.