Winter Together is a seasonal community initiative led by PASS (Prairie Alliance for Settlement & Support) in partnership with the City of Edmonton. The program is designed to strengthen neighborly connections in Northwest Edmonton while promoting winter safety, inclusion, and collective care during the colder months.
Winter can be challenging—especially for seniors, people with disabilities, newcomers, and families adjusting to Canadian winters for the first time. Winter Together responds to these challenges by combining education, volunteering, and community activities that help residents stay safe, supported, and connected.
❄️ Program Goals
Winter Together aims to:
- Promote safe and responsible snow removal practices
- Raise awareness about winter safety and municipal bylaws
- Encourage neighbour-to-neighbour support
- Reduce isolation among seniors and people with disabilities
- Recognize and celebrate community volunteers
🧤 Winter Safety & Snow Removal Awareness Workshop
As part of the Winter Together program, PASS hosts an educational workshop focused on practical and community-centered winter readiness. The workshop typically covers:
- Safe snow shovelling techniques to prevent injury
- Understanding local snow removal bylaws and responsibilities
- Identifying risks during extreme cold conditions
- Ways to support neighbours who may need assistance
- Building a culture of shared responsibility during winter
These workshops are open to community members, volunteers, and newcomers who want to better understand how to navigate winter safely and confidently.
🤍 Snow Angel Volunteer Recognition
A core element of Winter Together is the Snow Angel initiative.
Each winter season, PASS will recognize 10–15 community volunteers (“Snow Angels”) who go out of their way to help neighbors—particularly seniors and people with disabilities—with snow removal and winter support.
Snow Angels receive:
- A certificate of appreciation
- A small token of gratitude, such as a gift card or community prize
- Public recognition as contributors to a safer, more caring neighbourhood
This recognition is not about competition but about celebrating everyday acts of kindness that make winter easier for others.
☃️ Community Activities
Depending on the season and community interest, Winter Together may also include:
- Snow-shovelling challenges
- Snowman-building or family-friendly winter activities
- Community gatherings with warm drinks (such as a hot chocolate bar)
- Informal opportunities for neighbours to connect and socialize
Activities are designed to be inclusive, low-barrier, and welcoming to people of all ages and backgrounds.
📍 Location
Winter Together activities take place in Northwest Edmonton, including PASS community spaces and nearby neighborhood locations. Exact venues and dates may vary each winter season.
🤝 Get Involved
There are many ways to take part in Winter Together:
- Volunteer as a Snow Angel
- Attend a winter safety workshop
- Nominate a community member for recognition
- Partner or support the program
For more information or to get involved, please contact us at:
📩 info@passcanada.org
Together, we can make winter safer, warmer, and more connected for everyone.
