Living in northern Ontario, there is no getting away from that dreadful white stuff that falls to the ground: snow. The one thing that many people face and dread is the shovelling. One Elliot Lake resident is grateful for a random act of kindness by two young boys on the morning of Dec. 6.
"I was trying to shovel my way out so I could get to a doctor's appointment and my frail body just could not do it any longer," explained 79-year-old Edith Sonier. "My house is a bus stop for an elementary school. I don't know their names or where they go to school."
Sonier is talking about two young boys who take the bus right in front of her house. She explained that one boy lives next door and the two friends left early in the morning to play in the fluffy white stuff before the bus arrived. One boy went home to grab a shovel to help her dig her way out.
"I always see some young children being rude and disrespectful but this right here has restored my faith in the younger generation," she said. "They didn't even ask if I needed help. One boy told me to give him the shovel to help me and the other young boy went and got his from home."
Sonier, originally from St. Thomas, Ont. moved to Elliot Lake in 2010 after her retirement from her nursing career. She moved in the area with her husband who passed away in 2013 from lung cancer.
"My husband used to be the one to shovel the driveway and then after he passed, I did it," she explained. "Now it's just me. I'm getting too old for this. My children are all over the province. I can't call them and ask for help. Now with my frail body, it's nice to know I can still receive the help in this small community."
The two boys have been going around the neighbourhood performing random acts of kindness for people. One, she said, helps a gentleman across the street from her with his groceries and odd jobs.
"These boys are no more than 10-11 years old," she said. "They are just the sweetest. I offered money for their help and they said no and they don't help for money, but to just help others because that's what they do."
With Christmas right around the corner, Sonier said she hopes the boys have a great holiday season and thanks them for all their work in the neighbourhood.
"Thank you boys for everything you do," she said. "Your help and generosity is greatly appreciated."