Edmonton actively supports newcomer immigrants and refugees through an extensive network of volunteer programs specifically designed to help them adapt to life in Canada. For Ukrainians who have recently arrived in this city, volunteering presents a unique opportunity not only to contribute to the community, but also to gain critical Canadian work experience, improve English language skills, build professional networks, and feel part of a new community. As of November 2025, there are more than a dozen organizations in Edmonton with programs specifically designed to engage newcomers as volunteers, recognizing the unique challenges and needs that immigrants face in the early stages of settlement.
These programs understand that traditional volunteer positions may be inaccessible to newcomers due to language barriers, lack of Canadian experience, or unfamiliarity with local systems and culture. Therefore, organizations create adapted programs with additional support, training, and opportunities for gradual development that allow newcomers to start with roles that are accessible to them and gradually move on to more complex positions as their skills and confidence improve. This guide will take a detailed look at what volunteer programs are available to newcomers in Edmonton, how they work, what benefits they offer, and how Ukrainians can get involved in these opportunities.
Why volunteer programs are important for newcomers
Volunteering plays a key role in the successful integration of new immigrants and refugees into Canadian society. Settlement and integration workers often recommend volunteering as a way to build connections with new communities, practice a new language, learn new skills, gain Canadian experience, and establish social contacts.
Research shows that immigrants who have arrived in Canada within the last five years are the most active volunteers among the immigrant community, contributing on average more hours than those who have lived in Canada for 10 to 30 years. This is explained by their availability to enter paid employment, the fact that they are more likely to belong to younger age groups, and that they seek the benefits of integration and career development through volunteering. Newly arrived immigrants typically choose volunteering to utilize their skills and experience, as well as to explore their strengths, while Canadian-born Canadians are more likely to indicate that they have a personal connection to the cause.
There are also tangible benefits for organizations when they focus on creating a welcoming organization for newcomer volunteers. The National Volunteer Skills Centre in Australia identifies the following benefits: expanding the pool of potential volunteers, volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences bring new perspectives, increasing cultural awareness among both paid staff and volunteers, and strengthening positive relationships with local communities. Thus, volunteer programs for newcomers create a win-win situation where all parties benefit.
Major organizations with programs for newcomer volunteers
Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA)
The Edmonton Immigrant Services Association is one of the largest and most active organizations in Edmonton serving newcomer immigrants and refugees, and has one of the most developed volunteer engagement programs, including newcomers themselves. EISA has over 400 dedicated and experienced volunteers who make valuable contributions to the successful integration and well-being of newcomers by sharing their unique talents, knowledge, and time. Importantly, EISA actively recruits newcomers themselves as volunteers, recognizing that they have valuable skills and experiences that can benefit others.
Volunteer opportunities for newcomers at EISA include:
Administrative volunteers assist with office tasks, telephone communications, and data entry. This position requires organizational skills, interpersonal skills on the phone or in person, excellent written and oral communication skills, and a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office. Knowledge of languages other than English is an asset. For newcomers with good computer skills and administrative experience in their country of origin, this is a great opportunity to gain Canadian office experience.
Event volunteers assist with program and organizational events. EISA always needs volunteers to help with program and organizational events, from tours to fundraisers. If you are organized, detail-oriented, and determined to make a difference in the community, you are a perfect fit for this on-call volunteer position.
Community interpreters translate documents from/into various languages. Translating documents is one of the first steps in settling a new immigrant or resettling a refugee. By translating a document, you make the beginning of the settlement or resettlement journey smoother. The volunteer schedule for this position is very flexible, and you can work from home. As a translator, you must be fluent in both the source and target languages, have excellent writing and editing skills, be proficient in Microsoft Word, and be able to complete translations by the agreed-upon deadline. EISA provides free training to help you get started and supports you as you translate documents. Professional translation experience is an advantage. For Ukrainians who are fluent in both Ukrainian/Russian and English, this can be a particularly valuable opportunity to use their language skills.
Mentors in the New Neighbors program provide social support to newcomers through one-on-one meetings. If you have lived in Edmonton for several years, are knowledgeable and familiar with life in this city, and are passionate about sharing your knowledge with someone who has recently moved to our city, this is the opportunity for you. As a mentor, you provide social support to help newcomers in their process of settling into life in Edmonton through one-on-one collaboration. This position requires a long-term commitment, so you must commit to 20 hours over three months. Once you become a mentor, you share your knowledge to help newcomers make new friends, learn about various amenities and resources in the community, practice and improve their English conversation skills, get to know Edmonton and what it has to offer, build social networks and participate in cultural exchange, share information about Canadian culture, customs, etc.
English Conversation Circle Facilitators lead conversational English practice groups. English Conversation Circle is a series of scheduled sessions where a group of adult newcomers practice conversational English in an informal setting. Sessions are usually held at the EISA headquarters weekly from September to June. EISA expects the facilitator to commit to a regular volunteer schedule for a three-month term to facilitate these conversation groups for English learners. During the sessions, you will encourage participants to practice speaking English, guide dialogues and keep the conversation going, provide a safe and organized environment for sharing and communicating, and share your understanding of Canadian culture.
Tutors and mentors for after-school programs support newly arrived youth. EISA is looking for enthusiastic, patient, flexible, and compassionate Edmontonians who would like to share a few hours a week supporting youth in a culturally diverse environment. Most of the time, you will meet and assist these students at their schools. To be a reliable and supportive tutor and mentor, you will commit the necessary time, weekly or during a scheduled camp, to foster a consistent and positive environment for our newcomer students. Teaching or tutoring experience is an asset.
EISA Contact Information:
- Phone: 780-474-8445
- Website: eisa-edmonton.org
How to start volunteering with EISA: Fill out a simple volunteer intent form and indicate which volunteer positions you are interested in. EISA will conduct a security check for all applicants for volunteer positions and interview applicants in person.
Edmonton Newcomer Centre
The Edmonton Newcomer Centre is another large organization that supports newcomers in building a new life in Edmonton through employment, language, settlement, and community services. The Newcomer Centre has over 150 volunteers who are the backbone of the organization. Importantly, the organization actively recruits both newcomers and Canadians as volunteers, creating an environment of cultural exchange and mutual learning.
What the Newcomer Centre offers volunteers:
The benefits of volunteering with the Newcomer Centre include helping newcomers learn English, making new friends, meeting people from other cultures, learning new skills, gaining valuable work experience, building a welcoming, multicultural Edmonton, and making a difference in your community.
What the Newcomer Centre expects from volunteers:
The organization expects volunteers to commit to at least 3 months, as most programs require time to build trust with clients. Volunteers must treat all clients, staff, and volunteers with respect, be present, fully participate and take direction, communicate, and work well in a team. Volunteers must also be in alignment with the Newcomer Centre's vision, mission, and values, privacy statement and privacy policy, and volunteer code of ethics. You must provide the names and contact details of 2 references, complete a Police Information Check (PIC), which includes a Vulnerable Sector Search, and complete a Government of Alberta Intervention Record Check if you are applying to work with the youth program.
Special programs for newcomer volunteers:
Resource Room Assistant - Resource Room volunteers support individuals, especially those facing barriers due to immigration status, by showing them how to access job information online, edit their resumes, and contact potential employers via email. This role is ideal for newcomers who have good computer skills and want to help others find work. Volunteers assist clients with copying and faxing documents, reviewing and editing resumes for walk-in clients, navigate job websites, search for jobs, and update bulletin boards, help newcomers fill out basic forms, assist clients in completing online job applications, and set up email accounts.
Global Girls Career Day is a program for girls, women, and femmes to make new connections, build confidence, and explore their identity. It is a collaboration between the Newcomer Centre's community programs. For young newcomer volunteers, it is an opportunity to help out at the event.
Newcomer Centre contact information:
- Address: 10170 112 St. NW Edmonton AB T5K 2L6
- Phone: 780-423-9524
- Email for volunteer inquiries: [email protected]
- Website: newcomercentre.com
Catholic Social Services - Immigration and Settlement Services
Catholic Social Services offers volunteer opportunities for immigrants and refugees who are looking for a Canadian experience, want to meet other newcomers, or want to practice their English. The organization provides volunteer opportunities in the Cultural Links program, which connects newcomers with community members for cultural orientation and social support.
Contact information:
- Phone: 780-424-3545
- Website: cssalberta.ca
Changing Together - A Centre for Immigrant Women
Changing Together is a non-profit charitable organization founded in May 1984 as a resource and support center for immigrant women, both citizens and newcomers to Canada. The organization helps immigrant women gain employment, life skills, and Canadian work experience through a volunteer program.
The Volunteer Work Experience Program offers volunteer placements for immigrant women who want to further develop their skills in a Canadian environment. The program includes the opportunity to share skills and experiences with other immigrant women, make new friends, and build confidence. It is a specialized program designed specifically for newly arrived women who want to gain Canadian work experience in a supportive environment where the challenges they face are understood.
ASSIST Community Services Centre
ASSIST Community Services Centre is one of the oldest immigrant-serving organizations in Edmonton and has a wide range of volunteer opportunities, including positions specifically suited to newcomers.
Volunteer opportunities for newcomers at ASSIST:
Interpreter/Translator - For newcomers who speak multiple languages, this is an opportunity to use their language skills to help others. ASSIST provides services in Arabic, Cantonese, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, Urdu, and English.
Workshops Assistant - help organize and conduct information sessions and workshops on topics such as understanding the Canadian tax system, an overview of benefits for seniors in Canada, driving in Alberta, the school system, permanent resident of Canada: what you need to know, and more.
LINC Teacher Assistant - teaching assistants in the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program. This is a great opportunity for newcomers who have already improved their English and want to help others learn the language.
Canadian Corner Volunteer - a program that helps newcomers learn about Canadian culture and customs.
Data Entry and Analysis Assistant - for newcomers with computer skills.
ASSIST contact information:
- Address: 8212 – 118 Avenue, Edmonton AB T5B 0S3
- Phone: 780-424-3545
CCI-LEX (Catholic Charities Immigration and Language Exchange)
CCI-LEX specializes in flexible and affordable English classes for adult newcomers with a focus on community building and cultural exchange. The organization supports approximately 1,000 newcomers from over 80 different countries each year. CCI-LEX has a unique volunteer training program for teaching English as a second language, which is particularly suitable for newcomers who want to help others.
ESL Volunteer Teacher Program for Newcomers:
CCI-LEX actively recruits newcomers as ESL volunteer teachers, recognizing that they bring a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges of learning English. For newcomers who have already improved their English and want to gain teaching or mentoring experience, this is a great opportunity. Volunteering at CCI-LEX is a fantastic way to gain Canadian volunteer experience, develop public speaking or teaching skills, and build confidence in a supportive environment—all while giving back to others on a similar journey.
Training and support: CCI-LEX provides a flexible, supportive training program that adapts to your schedule and experience. Training typically takes 12-17 hours over 4-6 weeks. The organization provides lesson plans so you can focus on teaching. Staff are always available to answer questions, provide feedback, and ensure you are set up for success.
Benefits for newcomer volunteers: Through this rewarding experience, you can hone your skills in effective communication, facilitation, and working with diverse groups—all skills that are in high demand by employers. You can also receive job referrals from the support team, build your network, and gain access to free training workshops and other learning opportunities.
Basic English Language (BEL) Program - ESL in the Community: CCI-LEX has developed a program to support inexperienced and untrained volunteers and teachers who teach ESL to newcomers in their local communities. This program provides basic teaching tips, intercultural competence, and easy-to-follow, ready-to-use lesson plans with identified learning resources. Survey results show that 60% of community teachers who participated in CCI-LEX workshops had not received any training prior to attending the workshop; moreover, only 18% had attended a formal orientation or workshop prior to teaching ESL to newcomers.
CCI-LEX contact information:
- Website: cci-lex.ca
- Email: [email protected] (if possible)
Edmonton Public Library (EPL)
Edmonton Public Library offers special programs for newcomers, including settlement services in partnership with EISA. EPL also has volunteer opportunities that may be available to newcomers, particularly in technology assistance programs for newcomers.
Technology Help Program - a program that helps newcomers develop their technology/digital literacy skills. Volunteers help newcomers learn how to use computers, smartphones, the internet, and other technologies. For newcomers with good technical skills, this can be an opportunity to help others who are less familiar with technology.
Settlement Practitioners in Libraries: EPL offers settlement services to help with questions about settling in Canada. The library settlement program is offered in partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA). Services are provided by trained settlement practitioners who provide information about community services, resources, and government programs.
EPL Contact Information:
- Website: epl.ca
FOCAS Canada (Focus on Community Action and Support)
FOCAS Canada is dedicated to empowering and supporting newcomers, refugees, and immigrants—especially underserved communities—as they navigate life in Canada. Through their settlement services, employment support, language training, and cultural programs, they help individuals build resilience and participate confidently in Canadian society.
Volunteer opportunities: FOCAS Canada invites you to join as a volunteer and be part of transforming lives. By supporting newcomers and refugees, you will help create a welcoming community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Whether you provide mentorship, deliver essential services, or facilitate cultural connections, your time and skills will make a real difference—while gaining valuable experience and joining a network of passionate change-makers.
Contact information:
- Website: focascanada.org
Citadel Multicultural Centre - Newcomers Initiative
Citadel Multicultural Centre has programs for newcomers with language barriers, including translation services and resume workshops. The organization provides newcomers with personal hygiene kits, food kits, household items, and essential clothing based on available resources.
The organization holds information sessions every Sunday between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and invites you to visit. Citadel Multicultural Centre provides newcomers with access to a network of over 50 culturally diverse communities that are ready to help in various ways. This initiative helps reduce isolation and promotes inclusion.
Contact information:
- Website: canadacmc.com
Ukrainian organizations with volunteer programs
For Ukrainians who have just arrived in Edmonton, Ukrainian organizations can provide a particularly comfortable environment to start volunteering, as they often have Ukrainian-speaking staff and volunteers who understand the specific challenges of Ukrainian newcomers.
Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (Edmonton) - UCSS
UCSS is an organization that provides a wide range of community services, mostly free of charge. The organization invites anyone who wants to help to become a volunteer and devote some of their time to the agency. For Ukrainians who have just arrived, UCSS can be a great place to start volunteering in a familiar cultural environment.
Contact information:
- Address: 11717-97th Street, Edmonton, AB T5G 1Y3
- Phone: 780-471-4477
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: ucssedmonton.ca
UFest (Ukrainian Festival) Volunteer Program
UFest, Edmonton's annual Ukrainian festival, offers over 300 volunteer shifts to celebrate Ukrainian culture, arts and crafts, food, entertainment, and other traditions. Volunteering for UFest is your opportunity to be part of Edmonton's annual Ukrainian festival. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt, a gift, food during the festival, and a thank-you dinner.
Volunteer roles include: setup, teardown, and site management; workshop assistants; registration and entertainment cleanup; bar cashiers, bartenders, and stockers; security, first aid, and parking supervisors; sales assistants; children's assistants; waiters, cashiers and delivery in the café, special attractions including a photo booth, petting zoo, registration and volunteer support.
Contact information:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: ufest.ca
YEG4Ukraine Humanitarian Aid Foundation
YEG4Ukraine is a grassroots initiative based in Edmonton that provides humanitarian aid to people in Ukraine. The organization consists of Ukrainian immigrants and their children/grandchildren. For Ukrainians who want to continue supporting Ukraine, volunteering with YEG4Ukraine can be a meaningful way to stay connected to their home country while integrating into the Canadian community.
Plast - Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada
Plast relies on volunteer leaders, parental assistance, and support from the Ukrainian community. The organization runs programs for youth of all ages and offers volunteer opportunities for those who want to work with Ukrainian youth. For Ukrainians with experience working with youth or a desire to develop leadership skills, Plast provides volunteer opportunities in a familiar cultural context.
How to overcome barriers to volunteering for newcomers
While volunteering has many benefits for newcomers, there are also challenges that can make it difficult to access volunteer opportunities.
Language barriers
English language skills and possibly even written English are important for many volunteer positions. No one expects newcomers to Canada to have excellent English skills, but the truth is that some positions require you to be able to communicate easily in English. These positions may include volunteers who talk on the phone, greet people, such as receptionists, answer questions from people, give directions to others, teach, or lead discussions.
Solution: If you are just starting to learn English, you can still volunteer, but you may have a harder time finding volunteer opportunities. You may be offered positions that are not “front-line” where you work directly with the public, but perhaps you could greet and welcome people and hand out programs or brochures at an event. You may find that practicing English with your fellow volunteers or other staff is a good start.
Organizations that serve newcomers often assess the language proficiency requirements of positions to see what is actually necessary for each task, pair newcomer volunteers with experienced volunteers to provide individualized orientation and training, and create transition opportunities for newcomer volunteers to help them participate in core services and leadership opportunities.
Lack of Canadian experience
Perhaps you are looking for Canadian experience in your field of work, such as engineering, medical technician, or the professions, and you have been told that to get a paid job, you must have some experience here in Canada—and volunteering is your ticket. It's true that volunteer experience can help you secure employment, but it's unlikely that you'll find experience directly related to your field of work through volunteering.
Solution: Focus on developing transferable skills through volunteering—communication, teamwork, customer service, organizational skills—that are valued in all industries. Use volunteering to build a professional network, practice English in a work context, and obtain letters of recommendation that attest to your work ethic and reliability.
Transportation challenges
Newcomers may not have their own transportation or may not be familiar with Edmonton's public transportation system.
Solution: Look for virtual or remote volunteer opportunities that can be done from home. Many organizations now offer remote positions for document translation, content creation, social media management, online tutoring, and more. Also, look for volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood or along public transit routes you are already familiar with.
Screening Process
Police Information Check requirements, references, and interviews can be intimidating for newcomers.
Solution: Organizations that serve newcomers usually help volunteers with the screening process. The Volunteer Alberta volunteer screening program provides fee waivers for approved volunteer positions that require Vulnerable Sector Checks. Don't be afraid to ask for help—volunteer coordinators are used to working with newcomers and can guide you through the process.
Benefits of volunteering for newcomers: what the research says
Research confirms the numerous benefits of volunteering for newcomer immigrants:
Canadian work experience: Volunteering is one of the best ways to gain Canadian work experience, which is often required by employers. After several months of volunteering, most organizations provide letters of recommendation that can be used in job applications.
Skill development: Volunteering allows you to use the skills you already have and learn new ones. You can develop skills in effective communication, facilitation, working with diverse groups, time management, teamwork, and leadership—all skills that are in demand by employers.
Improving language skills: Volunteering provides regular practice in speaking English in real-life situations, which helps improve language skills faster than classroom learning alone.
Building a professional network: Volunteering allows you to meet people in your industry or community, build professional networks, and potentially learn about job opportunities. Many people find jobs through connections made while volunteering.
Understanding Canadian culture and work environment: By working with Canadian organizations, you will learn about Canadian work culture, workplace expectations, social norms, and communication.
Improving mental and emotional health: Volunteering helps combat the isolation and loneliness that newcomers often experience by providing opportunities to meet new friends and feel part of a community. It also provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Exploring career paths: Volunteering allows you to explore different industries and roles to determine what you enjoy and where you may want to work.
Conclusion: Volunteer Programs as a Bridge to Integration
Edmonton has a robust ecosystem of volunteer programs specifically designed to support newcomer immigrants and refugees on their integration journey. From large settlement organizations such as EISA and the Newcomer Centre, to specialized programs for immigrant women at Changing Together, to language programs at CCI-LEX, to Ukrainian cultural organizations such as UCSS and UFest, there is a wide variety of opportunities that recognize and support the unique needs of newcomers.
These programs understand that newcomers face particular challenges—language barriers, lack of Canadian experience, unfamiliarity with local systems and culture—and create tailored approaches with additional support, training, flexible schedules, and opportunities for gradual development. They recognize that volunteering is not a one-way act of service, but a mutually beneficial exchange where newcomers bring valuable skills, diverse perspectives, and cultural competencies, while gaining experience, skills, and connections that will help them build successful lives in Canada.
For Ukrainians who have recently arrived in Edmonton, volunteering is a powerful tool for integration. Whether you choose to volunteer with a Ukrainian organization, where you can use your language and cultural expertise, or with a multicultural settlement organization, where you can help other newcomers while improving your own English and understanding of Canada, there are opportunities for every level of experience and confidence.
Don't let language barriers, lack of Canadian experience, or uncertainty hold you back from volunteering. The organizations described in this guide specialize in working with newcomers and are ready to support you every step of the way. Start by contacting one or more of these organizations, explain your situation and interests, and let them help you find a suitable volunteer opportunity. With patience, openness, and commitment, volunteering can be a bridge that connects you to your new community, helps you develop skills and confidence, and ultimately opens doors to a successful career and a prosperous life in Edmonton.