As the winter months approach, the City of Richmond is asking volunteer organizations to become Snow Angels. Heavy winter snowfall can cause several problems for some Richmond residents – elderly citizens, and persons with illnesses and disabilities. Richmond’s Snow Angels offer voluntary assistance with tasks such as snow removal, and pickup and delivery of medication and groceries.

“In its third year, the Richmond Snow Angels program is a much appreciated community service connecting helpful organizations with those who find themselves confined during severe winter storms,” says Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Coordinated by the City, the program has registered several local organizations committed to helping Richmond residents in every neighbourhood.”

The Snow Angels program is activated during major snowfall events. This is defined as 48 hours of continuous snowfall and a minimum of 15 centimetres of snow.

Registering to be a Snow Angel organization is easy; simply contact the City’s Parks Programs Coordinator at 604-244-1250 or email pbrar@richmond.ca. 

Residents needing assistance can access the Snow Angels registry in several ways during a major snowfall - calling Richmond City Hall at 604-276-4000, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department at 604-244-1208, or their local community centre. The registry can also be accessed online at www.richmond.ca/winter. 

In addition to the Snow Angels program, the City of Richmond’s Be a Good Neighbour campaign encourages all able-bodied residents to clear the walkways in front of their homes, then help others who can’t. There’s no registry to join or dispatch to call; all one has to do is adopt the sidewalk, driveway and/or walkway of an elderly person or other neighbour who may need help this winter and keep their areas clear of snow, or ask if you can lend a hand in some other way.

For more information on winter weather preparedness for you and the City of Richmond, please visit www.richmond.ca/winter.