City celebrates 15th year of Calgary's 1st-of-its-kind Snow Angel campaign

The city is marking 15 years since Calgary became the first municipality in North America to mount a campaign to encourage neighbours to shovel for others in their community who might need a hand.

The annual Snow Angels program also encourages people to nominate these good neighbours to be recognized for their efforts.

More than 8,232 Snow Angels have been nominated to date.

"A Snow Angel can be especially helpful to older adults, people with limited mobility and anyone else needing help, even on a temporary basis," the city says on its Snow Angels website.

"Watch for people in your neighbourhood who could use help removing snow and lend them a hand."

Kathy Sokolan-Oblak was recently nominated by her neighbours, Peter and Mary Esposito.

They thanked the family of four who have helped with the couple's sidewalk snow clearing in Huntington Hills for more than 22 years.

"These Snow Angels have faithfully kept our complete walks clear of snow for many years," said Mary Esposito.

"You Snow Angels restore our faith in humanity. On behalf of all whom you help, thank you."

Calgary's snow bylaw requires property owners to remove snow and ice from the public sidewalks bordering their property within 24 hours of a snowfall ending.

• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |Southern Alberta's Polar Express train offers round-trip rides to the 'North Pole'
• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |Volunteers vow to restore historic Fish Creek home that's been empty 'long enough'
• Read more articles byCBC Calgary, like us onFacebookfor updates and subscribe to ourCBC Calgary newsletterfor the day's news at a glance