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Clearing the Storm Drain
At the end of our new neighbor’s driveway, there’s a storm drain that tends to get blocked by snow whenever the plow passes through. When the snow begins to melt, the water can’t flow properly, causing big puddles that freeze overnight and make the road slippery. A few times, I took it upon myself to…
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Helping After the Plow
The other day, I noticed our neighbor Yumi out shoveling her driveway on her own. She seemed to be struggling with the tough, compacted snow left by the plow, so I decided to lend a hand. I helped break up the stubborn snow chunks and clear the driveway for her. It felt good to step…
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Pushing a Stuck Vehicle
While walking Wynnie, my dog, I came across a vehicle stuck in the snow. The elderly gentleman inside had a heart condition and couldn’t push it himself. It took several attempts and the help of more and more people to finally free it. My parents, the gentleman’s wife, two other neighbors, and I all worked…
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Shoveling the Sidewalk
I shoveled the sidewalk on our side of Turner Road, from Parkwood to Butcher. Many people walk down our street, and since it is a busy road, it isn’t safe to walk in the street when the sidewalk is covered in snow. Unfortunately, as soon as I finished shoveling, the plow filled in the sidewalk…
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Welcoming New Neighbors
Our new neighbors, Sarah and Anna, had just moved to Canada. I gave them two of my sleds and directions to the best sledding spots in the neighborhood. It was their first winter in Nanaimo, and I wanted them to experience sledding with the rest of the kids. Watching them walk down the street toward…
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Snow Pants for Ethan
Ethan, the 6-year-old boy next door, unexpectedly outgrew his snow pants. I had a pair that no longer fit me, so I gave them to him so he could play outside. Ethan had recently had a cast removed from his arm and had already missed out on some activities. I felt fulfilled knowing I had…
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Warm Hands for Eleanor
Eleanor, the 7-year-old girl next door, forgot her ski gloves at school. I gave her a pair of mine so she could enjoy playing in the snow. I didn’t want her hands to get cold, and since I had an extra pair, I was happy to share. Seeing Eleanor playing in her front yard with…
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Candy Cane Tradition
Early on Christmas morning, I hung candy canes on the doors of forty-two houses in the neighborhood. This is a family tradition we follow to spread Christmas cheer. I love the feeling of sneaking around and making people smile. This year, one family was waiting for me. They opened their door and wished me a…