With winter just a couple of months away, the City of Sarnia is looking for volunteers who are willing to help residents by shoveling snow from their driveways, sidewalks, and walkways.
In the past, the city has partnered with Lambton Elderly Outreach for the Adopt-A-Driveway initiative, but Sarnia has taken over the program this year.
City of Sarnia Communications Manager Steve Henschel said from an efficiency standpoint, it made sense to move the program in-house.
"But the program is very much the same, still trying to serve those same vulnerable residents who might face challenges in clearing their driveways during the winter months," he said.
The annual program matches volunteers (individuals or teams) with homeowners over the age of 60 or with a disability, and who have financial constraints.
"There's definitely a need in the community for the program," Henschel said.
Volunteer applications will be accepted year-round, however, the city is asking for forms to be submitted sooner rather than later so safety training and orientation can be scheduled.
"We'd like to get anybody who signs up for this year trained and ready to go before the snow starts falling," Henschel said. "Ultimately what we're looking for is individuals or teams who are able to commit to clear snow off the property they adopt within 24 hours every time it snows three or more inches."
Henschel said volunteers will be provided with safety vests, shovels, salt, as well as goggles and gloves to handle the salt.
Further details about the program and application intake can be found on the city's Adopt-A-Driveway webpage.
Henschel said volunteers will be required to provide a Vulnerable Sector Check, which will be reimbursed.
"However, you don't need it to apply so if you upload your application, our staff will get in touch and tell you what the next steps are in that respect," he said.
Applicants are asked to be patient.
Volunteers under the age of 18 will require a parent/guardian signature with their application.