Snow Angel program in Mannville encourages helping neighbours

Mannville-Minburn-Innisfree Family & Community Support Services (M-M-I F.C.S.S) has expanded their ‘Random Acts Of Kindness – Snow Angel Project’ this year as a way to encourage community involvement.

Local organizations have stepped up to shovel in the past but this year with Covid, they have welcomed anyone to do a random act of kindness and shovel someone else’ snow.

“Everyone can take part by doing the neighbourly thing. It’s a great contribution no matter what,” said Director, Jannette Riedel.

“It has positive implications for our community – the people shovelling feel a sense of pride and satisfaction for helping out, and the recipients appreciate that someone cares enough to help them out.

Riedel said they instigated the program because they saw the need in the community for people to have assistance shovelling their show, but because they look at it in so many other ways they were able to have it coincide with their purpose of engaging people in the community.

In 2012, the project began in partnership with the Village of Manville, the Mannville School’s leadership classes, and Mannville Multi 4-H Club. It’s not an everyday service, but groups can be found sometimes shovelling during the week or on the weekend, sometimes clearing public and private walk ways.

“There is always a need to assist people that may have health conditions, be frail or just be a busy, young mom with young children who can’t get out to shovel, and the surprise of looking out and seeing snow has been cleared, is much appreciated,” said Riedel.

With the pandemic she said there are a lot of isolated people, some of whom are finding they don’t even want to go out anymore. A wave from a friendly Snow Angel, helps make their day.

M-M-I F.C.S.S. has been continuing their programs and staying connected by phoning people or hosting Zoom gatherings. By engaging more community members, they hope to encourage people to have more incentive to remain active and participate by helping their neighbours and community in other ways.

“Overall, the Snow Angel Project contributes to making our community a better place,” said Riedel.

Past donations have helped to supply shovels. She said they aren’t currently in need of any, but if anyone wanted to contribute, monetary donations are welcome by calling the office at 780-763-3005.