Tackling a spring yard cleanup is too big a job for some older people, but a young Calgarian is offering to lend a hand with the heavy lifting.
Akeam Francis has organized a group called The Calgary Helpers or, as he likes to call it “The Smile Gang” – which, he said, is an acronym.
“What it actually means is someone must identify life everywhere – good attitude and generosity,” Francis said.
He helps people like Marielis Zielke. For 45 years she has lived in the same Calgary home, raising her family and always looking forward to digging up the garden for planting. But not this spring.
“The strength is not there anymore and I had half a dozen operations within the last four years,” Zielke said.
Francis has helped about 20 people since he started volunteering about two weeks ago.
“I accept donations and tips but I’m not here for that,” Francis said. “Because we’re in a recession, nobody really wants to part with their money and I’m still young, I still need to learn a lot of experience.”
If you’d like to get in touch with “The Smile Gang”, just email thecalgaryhelpers@gmail.com.