Days like the one we experienced on Tuesday are actually Paul Errington's time to shine.
He doesn't shovel. He can't because of health reasons which makes his story even more special. Errington snow blows his property on Keppel Street in South Buffalo, and he keeps going.
“I do four others,” Errington said.
It takes him hours. But the retiree snow blows the driveways and sidewalks for his neighbors. He's been doing it for 25 years and wouldn't have it any other way. Why?
“Just to help them out. They're older. Older people and they can't get out so I help them.”
West Seneca resident Ron Tebo knows the feeling. “I like to help my neighbors. We have some elderly neighbors that live here and they're in their upper 80s and I can't see them out here shoveling, much less snow blowing,” Tebo said.
That's why he does it instead. Don't get him wrong... the work isn't easy. “I’m cold, wet, and tired.” But Tebo said it's worth it. “We have to rely on each other. We have to rely on our neighbors, we have to rely on others to help us.”
James Stack agrees. We found him shoveling not only his walkway, but most of the sidewalk on Unger Avenue in Buffalo. “You get to be my age, you want to pay back a little bit, you know? So, everybody around here helps each other any way they can. Makes it a nice place to live.”
None are paid for their work. But in each case, that's the whole point. The gesture is about something money can't buy.
“I get compensated because I feel good about myself,” said Tebo.
“They thank me. A thanks goes a long way,” explained Errington.
