Kristen Morgan, a 15-year-old student at W.L. Seaton secondary school, and Kevin Morgan, 12, a Hillview elementary school student, pitched in and helped out their neighbour, Simon Hoekstraten, by shovelling his driveway and sidewalk last snow season.
For their efforts, they were nominated and won a $100 cash prize from the City of Vernon for their neighbourly deeds.
“It is wonderful to see youngsters demonstrating such community spirit and taking such good care of us,” said Hoekstraten.
The Hoekstratens nominated Kristen and Kevin for the reward through the Snow Buddy Program at NexusBC Community Resource Centre.
“They were so friendly and really appreciative and it felt great to give back,” said Kristen.
Kevin said he would recommend the Snow Buddy Program to other families.
“More kids should try the Snow Buddy Program because it feels good to give back to our community and you might just meet some really nice people,” he said.
The Morgans have signed up again to be Snow Buddies for the Hoekstratens for the current snow season.
“This year we’re really trying to bump up the number of volunteers by recruiting students,” said Jennifer Guscott, seniors services coordinator for NexusBC, which facilitates the Snow Buddy program. “The snow is here and we need more snow shovellers to help local seniors. Last year, we were short several snow buddies.”
According to BC Education policy, high school students are required to complete 30 hours of volunteer service or work experience in order to graduate.
“In return for snow shovelling, students get their volunteer hours needed for graduation, and can feel proud that they’re making a difference,” said Guscott.
The list of seniors needing snow removal services is growing, but Guscott is still encouraging seniors needing help to call.
“This program is about preventing slips and falls,” said Guscott, the former falls prevention coordinator. “Each year, one in every three adults age 65 and older falls, and over half of seniors’ falls occur outdoors.”
Seniors are placed on a wait list until a suitable snow buddy can be found.
The City of Vernon is a big supporter of this program.
“They have provided us with the opportunity to financially reward Snow Buddies who are nominated,” said Guscott, adding that nominees are eligible to win one of five $100 cash prizes. “We’re so thankful to have the city on board with this program. Being a Snow Buddy is the neighbourly thing to do.”
To register for the program, call NexusBC at 250-545-0585 or visit www.northokanaganseniors.ca
