Their motto is "Be Prepared"...now they're committed to helping seniors shovel snow. The local 3rd Bridgewater Scout Troop is getting set to dig out local seniors with a new program called Operation S.O.S. The service is for seniors who do not have the means or connections to have their walks or driveways shoveled after a snowstorm. Shoveling is offered as a stop-gap measure until seniors can find family, friends, or a paid service to help them out. The program was started after Bridgewater Police Service received a call from an elderly woman who needed help to clear her driveway. Her son, who usually cleared her driveway, was away taking his children to university. With serious health concerns, the snow filled driveway was considered a safety issue, and the request was passed to the town's Seniors Safety Coordinator, Beth George, who contacted Scouts Canada - South Shore Area to see if they could help. Area Commissioner & Troop Scouter Peter Biddle came to the rescue, and offered to visit the woman to see how the Scouts could help. The visit turned into a quick shovel job, and the problem was resolved. The incident gave rise to an idea to offer a pilot project to have Scouts shovel out seniors that need their snow cleared.
Seniors can register for the pilot program through the Bridgewater Police Service. or contact Peter Biddle at 543-2445 .
