What is SnowBusters?
SnowBusters is a volunteer snow removal service for seniors and/or persons with disabilities in Strathcona County. Eligible residents are matched with volunteers who commit to clearing snow from a residents’ walkway or driveway within 72 hours after each snowfall.
The SnowBusters program helps neighbours remain independent in their homes as well as:
• Helps prevent injuries from slips and falls.
• Promotes community connections and inclusion.
• It’s also great exercise!
SnowBusters volunteers are an essential part of making a life-changing experience for our community, whether you become a SnowBuster or simply help out a neighbour. Help to build a stronger, safer community and create an opportunity for an important connection.
To volunteer, please fill out our Volunteer Application Form.
Check out the latest article about our program in the Sherwood Park – Strathcona County News! https://www.sherwoodparknews.com/news/local-news/snowbusters-volunteers-sought-for-2024-25-season
Who can volunteer?
- Individuals
- Couples
- Families
- Teens ages 13 – 17, with consent and support from a parent or guardian
- Groups and Teams can commit to one or more address together, but must ensure they can self-manage scheduling so that snow removal is completed as needed. Please contact us to talk further about whether this could work for your group/family/team
- If you are 18+, you will need to get a Criminal Record Check (with Vulnerable Sector Check) Available at no cost from the RCMP with a letter from us
What will I do as a SnowBuster volunteer?
Clear sidewalks and driveway of snow and ice for a low income senior and/or person with a disability
How much time do I have to commit?
- Averages 30-60 minutes per week, depending on the amount of snowfall
- Snow is unpredictable – you’ll need to have flexibility to shovel within 72 hours after each snowfall
Where do I volunteer?
We try to match you with a residence in the area that works for you for the duration of the winter season
What are the benefits to be a SnowBusters volunteer?
- Exercise and time spent outdoors
- Helping out a local community member
- Reference letters available upon request
- A SnowBuster toque, shovel and ice melt (shovels & ice melt were graciously donated for our program by Sherwood Park Home Hardware in 2023)
To volunteer you need to be able to:
- Physically able to shovel snow
- Be able to commit the time to shovel as needed throughout the winter season
- Comfortable with working alone
- Able to get to the residence that you are assigned to
- Confident in communicating with the resident you are assigned to (for example, if you can’t shovel because of illness and need to let the resident know)
- Outfit yourself with appropriate cold weather gear to keep warm and stay safe; the resident will provide snow shovels and ice melt (and some may have a snow blower too)
To volunteer, please fill out our Volunteer Application Form.
If you have any questions about volunteering for SnowBusters, please send an email to services@volunteerstrathcona.ca or phone 780-464-4248.
Who is eligible to be a client for the program?
To qualify for the SnowBusters program you must meet the following criteria:
- Strathcona County Resident.
- Resident has a Net Annual Income that does not exceed $33,410 for a single income household or $54,640 for total household income.
- Physically unable to maintain the property.
- Are solely responsible for keeping the walks and driveways free of snow.
- No persons in the residence or in the area that are physically able to maintain property (no children or grandchildren).
DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE SNOWBUSTERS PROGRAM IS JANUARY 15, 2025!
To become a SnowBusters client, please contact us at 780-464-4248 or email services@volunteerstrathcona.ca.
At Volunteer Strathcona, we envision a community where people look out for each other. Together, we can create a supportive, safe, and connected place to call home.
Disclaimer: All Volunteer Strathcona clients and volunteers agree not to enter into any additional agreements and/or offer additional services, paid or otherwise, outside the scope of their agreement(s) with Volunteer Strathcona. Any clients or volunteers that do not follow this rule will no longer be eligible to participate in any Volunteer Strathcona programs.