Taysen Saravia (far left), Scott Curtis (far right) with a group of snow shovelers.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Taysen Saravia

With the Okanagan and Kamloops under a blanket of snow and more of the white stuff expected to fall this week, some residents may need help shoveling their driveways and walkways.

Some young people are ready with shovels to do the snow clearing for free in the West Kelowna area, and they want to help as many people as they can.

READ MORE: Get ready for a white but 'bone chilling' cold Christmas in Okanagan, Kamloops

Scott Curtis is originally from Calgary and is used to snow and cold temperatures.

“It has been a difficult year for a lot of people,” Curtis said. “We are here to help out in whatever ways we can. Especially at Christmas time it is super important to remember there are lots of people out there who need help.”

Curtis said he and his friend Taysen Saravia have already been volunteering their time to clear snow through a church program. The response was so positive they put the ad up on social media to reach more residents in need.

“We’ve been busy,” he said. “We have not yet got to the people who have responded to our ad but will be following through this week. A lot of people are really grateful for a small act of service.”

READ MORE: Arctic outflow, snow and possible freezing rain forecast for parts of B.C.

Curtis said volunteering has been fun and he has been able to make friends and connections he wouldn’t have otherwise made. He said the volunteers appreciate the opportunity to give to others.

If you or someone you know in West Kelowna needs snow removed from their driveways and walkways, you can contact Curtis through Facebook, or phone 604-363-3821.

Many cities offer a Snow Angels program, where neighbourhood-based volunteers are paired with seniors or residents with limited mobility who need snow removed.

In Kamloops, more than 300 residents have registered for the Snow Angels program this year. If you are a senior or individual with limited mobility, or you are able to volunteer, you can contact Volunteer Kamloops at 250-372-8313.

In some cities, Snow Angels are nominated by other members of the community for their efforts in keeping neighbours’ properties and sidewalks clear of ice and snow.

Kelowna residents can nominate their neighbourhood snow angels here or by email at snowangels@kelowna.ca and you will receive a Snow Angels toque and a card in the mail.

Nominees will also be entered into a monthly draw to win 2 tickets to a Kelowna Rockets game as well as pre-game dinner. Draws will be done at the end of each month of the snow season and winners will be contacted by direct mail.

Are you helping shovel snow? Let us know in the comments below.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Shannon Ainslie or call 250-819-6089 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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