Leaf & Snow Buddies Orientation

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES OF NIAGARAhttp://www.cssn.ca/snow-buddies

Serving the Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

This is an interactive online orientation option for volunteers.

Videos are included for your learning

Please contact CSSN for your orientation package 905-682-3800 x 28

We would like to thank the MBA student group from Brock University, Goodman School of Business, for their help upgrading our Snow Buddie orientation!

Completing this online orientation:

1. The mission of Community Support Services of Niagara (CSSN)

2. The purpose of the Leaf & Snow Buddies Program

3. Why volunteering is important

4. Expectations of being a Leaf & Snow Buddie volunteer

5. Health and safety information you need to know

Agenda

DID YOU KNOW?

Every 10 minutes at least one senior visits an

emergency department due to a fall[1]

Every 30 minutes at least one senior is

admitted to hospital due to a fall[1]

$962 million is the estimated annual cost for

senior’s falls in Ontario[1]

[1] “The Economic Burden of Injury in Ontario” SMARTRISK – 2006 report4

Community Support Services of Niagara (CSSN) is a non-profit agency, with many programs to help seniors stay living at home.

Funding provided by HNHB LHIN

Community Support Services of Niagara (CSSN)

Please refer to your orientation package and answer questions 1 and 2.

Mission: Complete

Leaf & Snow Buddies is a service that matches volunteers with elderly neighbours to help with snow removal and raking leaves. This service prevents slips and falls.

Leaf & Snow Buddies Program

Profile of a CSSN Client

Meet Mr. Jones

His income is limited (expenses include medications, groceries & home expenses)

His heart condition does not allow him to shovel his driveway.

His kids live out of town.

How can Leaf & Snow Buddies help?

Making a Difference

• Leaf & Snow Buddies help a senior stay independent and safe in their home.

• Allowing support services to get to his home and allowing him to leave for medical appointments and the grocery store

• Snow Buddies can help him not feel trapped in his own house in the winter.

Meet Mr. Jones

Please refer to your orientation package and answer questions 3 and 4.

Purpose: Complete

The Power of VolunteeringOrdinary people, extraordinary action

Please watch the YouTube video on the next slide

Make a difference

Help neighbours

Inspire others

Build connections

What else?

12

Why Volunteering is Important

Seniors

You ‘A Leaf &

Snow Buddie’

Making a Big

difference

13

YOU are making a difference

Please refer to your orientation package and answer questions 5 and 6.

Why Volunteer: Complete

Call and meet with your Senior Buddie

If you are under 18 please have your parent/guardian join the first meeting

Planning your First Meeting

√ Decide if you will give your phone number to the senior or if you will just show up when it snows

√ Where will the leaves be placed, where is the rake kept?

√ Will you shovel the side walk and whole drive way?

√ Where is the shovel and salt kept?

√ Will you only be able to show up after school or work?

√ What are their expectations and your availability?

√ Will you knock on the door every time you shovel snow?

First Meeting Check List

YOU ARE COMMITTING TO THE ENTIRE WINTER SEASON

Use their name

Smile!

Be polite

Have a cheerful attitude

Complete the whole job in a timely manner

1.

Expectations

Be early if you have set a time

If you can’t come, notify your Buddie

Show up!

Keep an eye on the weather

Attendance

Take initiative and shovel when it snows

Don’t always wait for your Buddie to call

Take your job seriously

Communicate well

Confidentiality: DON’T talk about the senior’s information to other people

Responsibility

Please refer to your orientation package and answer questions 7 to 10.

Expectations: Complete

Proper Raking

Please watch the YouTube video on the next slide

Proper Shoveling

Please watch the YouTube video on the next slide

Use the proper tools

Never use a snow blower if

under 18 years old

Be careful if using salt

Use proper lifting techniques

Warm up first

Watch for ice

Wear proper footwear

Drink plenty of water

Listen to your body

Pace yourself

Work smart

Safety First!

Don’t go into senior’s home, unless permission from parents/guardians (if under 18 years)

If you are hurt:

get help but let the senior know

when you are OK, let CSSN know.

Health and Safety

Emergency Procedure

Call 911 if you or the senior are seriously hurt, then let CSSN know

Any concerns or anything unusual at the senior’s home CALL CSSN

905-682-3800 ext. 28

Please refer to your orientation package and answer questions 11 to 15.

Health & Safety: Complete

Stay Connected:

Following Leaf & Snow Buddies

If client asks you to do anything else call the Leaf & Snow Buddies Coordinator

The coordinator will contact you regarding your match once you have complete the orientation package

For Students: the coordinator can also sign your community service hours sheet

Additional Information

Thank you!

Please complete your orientation package and evaluation, then scan/email it to Laurie.

You will receive your certificate and toque in the mail.

For any questions contact: lelliott@cssn.ca