When the snow falls down in your neighbourhood, who you gonna call? SNOW BUSTERS!
Snow Busters is a program initiated by the Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (Sage) that enables student and community groups to raise funds by shoveling snow for seniors in their area.
By participating in Snow Busters over a five-month term, student groups have the opportunity to provide an affordable service to seniors in their community, enabling these people to live in their homes independently and safely. In turn, Sage will pay the student groups for each customer served.
Peyman Azad Khaneghah, a Master's student in rehabilitation science at the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, worked as the home service program developer at Sage this summer and thinks there are many benefits for student groups that get involved.
"For University of Alberta students, this is about more than just fundraising," he says. "Snow Busters is an opportunity to promote a sense of being close to neighbours. Many seniors can't afford private snow removal companies, and this program provides a safe, reliable, and affordable service that prevents senior injury - resulting in fewer broken hips!"
Snow Busters started in 2009 as a pilot study in the Woodcroft community, and last year expanded to ten different community leagues. This year, Sage is looking for university student groups, high school groups, community leagues, sports clubs, Scouts groups, Girl Guide groups, and other community groups across Edmonton interested in starting a Snow Busters team.
Each group should designate a Snow Busters leader to be the primary contact person with Sage. For more information contact Barb Carroll at 780.701.9007 or bcarroll@mysage.ca.
About the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
As the only free standing faculty of rehabilitation in Canada, the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine balances its activities among learning, discovery and citizenship (including clinical practice). A research leader in musculoskeletal health, spinal cord injuries and common spinal disorders (back pain), the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine aims to improve the quality of life of citizens in our community. The three departments, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT) and Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPA) offer professional entry programs. The Faculty offers thesis-based MSc and PhD programs in Rehabilitation Science, attracting students from a variety of disciplines including OT, PT, SLP, psychology, physical education, medicine and engineering.