Snow Buddies wants Niagara's elderly to know that when it comes to shoveling large amounts of snow, there is help if they ask for it.

Seniors are encouraged to take advantage of services like this in order to avoid tragedy.

The massive snow storm last Friday was responsible for two deaths, one in Niagara Falls and the other in Hamilton.

An elderly person who stopped breathing while shoveling was brought to Greater Niagara General Hospital Saturday, and later died.

Meanwhile, an 80 year old woman died in Hamilton while shoveling snow during the blizzard on Friday.

Laurie Elliot-Leach, coordinator of Snow Buddies says this is just one of the variety of services Community Support Services of Niagara offers to the elderly.

Elliot-Leach says anyone can get hurt shoveling snow or fall on ice, but the elderly and people with disabilities are more vulnerable.

The service doesn't cost a thing and is used as a way for students to get credits towards school.

Snow Buddies matches a volunteer with a senior making them responsible for shoveling their driveway or walk way.

They are matched geographically as close as possible.

Elliot-Leach says it has been a busy season so far and have a wait list.

She says they service the whole Niagara region and have 25 snow buddies in St. Catharines alone.

If you are interested in having a snow buddy, you need to contact Community Support Services of Niagara at 905-682-3800 ext. 28.