Sarnia’s Adopt-a-Driveway program could use more volunteers, one of its organizers says.
The program that pairs seniors in need with people willing to clear snow from their driveways has a wait list, said Amy Weiler with Lambton Elderly Outreach.
This winter there were about 45 people requesting help through the program, and 20 have been receiving it with the help of 13 volunteers, she said.
Volunteers and clients are generally matched one-to-one within walking distance or a short drive, she said.
They head out to lend a hand shoveling whenever it snows more than three centimeters, sparing seniors who likely can’t afford to hire help from the fear of slipping and getting injured, as well as helping build community connections, she said.
The number of volunteers though this year have been down, she said, and a team of Sarnia firefighters and a snow removal company on contract with the city have been helping pick up the slack.
“We would love to grow the program,” Weiler said.
“We can only grow as far as the number of volunteers that we have.”
There’s always a wait list, she said.
“Which isn’t ideal, but we are trying to help as many people as we can.”
The program that started in Sarnia about three years ago through Rotaract Sarnia-Lambton and Lambton Elderly Outreach has consistently helped about 20 people per year, Weiler said.
Insured through the City of Sarniawhich also provides training, the program was recognized in 2022 at an Age Friendly Ontario conference as an example of initiatives happening in communities to support older adults or people with disabilities, said Weiler.
“A few years ago we had surveyed over 200 people in Sarnia-Lambton to see what the barriers were to snow removal, and fear of falling or injury was number one,” she said.
“As you get older that’s very physically challenging to remove the snow.”
Testimonials from volunteers and the people receiving help alike have been glowing, she said, noting she recognizes it’s not an easy task for people to take on.
“Oftentimes we’re trying to shovel and get to work or in the evening getting to various activities, but we really want to show how much this means to the homeowner because it’s also really difficult to admit that you may need some help with things around the house,” she said.
Some clients have said having the snow cleared is essential for other care workers they depend on to visit, Weiler said.
“And having these in-home supports actually helps people live at home longer.”
The program has gone well this season for those enrolled, she said, noting volunteers have helped out with shoveling maybe three times so far.
Clients must either be 60 or older or have a disability, and have an annual income below $30,000, according to information from the City of Sarnia.
Prospective clients can email [email protected], while those interested in volunteering can email [email protected].