Family & Community Support Services (FCSS)
Grass Buddies Program
Yard Maintenance Assistance in Calmar
The Town of Calmar, through Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), offers the Grass Buddies Program — a volunteer-based initiative that connects community helpers with residents who cannot manage lawn mowing, trimming, or light yard work.
This program keeps our community looking its best while supporting neighbours who need a helping hand. Grass Buddies also provide a way for residents to stay active, meet new people, and make a positive difference in Calmar.
Eligibility
The Grass Buddies Program is designed for residents who face challenges with yard maintenance and have no other support available. To qualify, applicants must:
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Be a resident of Calmar. The program is only available to those living within town limits.
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Have a physical, medical, or age-related limitation that makes lawn mowing, trimming, or light yard work difficult or unsafe.
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Have no one else in the household who can assist with yard maintenance.
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Not be using the program for vacation or seasonal property upkeep. This is intended for residents’ primary homes only.
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Understand that assistance is volunteer-based and depends on availability. Displaying a Grass Buddies sign does not guarantee service on a set day or after a set number of days.
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Agree to program terms including providing consent for volunteers to access the front yard and releasing the Town of Calmar and FCSS from liability.
How the Program Works
The Grass Buddies Program runs during the warmer months when lawn care is needed. The process is simple:
Application Submission
Residents who require help fill out an application form either online or at the FCSS office. Applications can be submitted at any point in the season.
Approval and Sign Delivery
Once approved, participants receive a bright Grass Buddies yard sign. This sign alerts volunteers to which homes are part of the program and in need of assistance.
Volunteer Support
Grass Buddies — community volunteers of all ages — assist with basic lawn mowing, trimming, and light yard work. Tasks are limited to what can be done safely with standard household tools.
Scheduling
Volunteers work as their time allows. There is no fixed schedule, and service depends entirely on volunteer availability. Grass Buddies are not a replacement for regular lawn care services but a neighbourly way to help.
Seasonal Program
The program typically operates from late spring through early fall, ending when lawn maintenance is no longer required.