Volunteering in Edmonton for Ukrainians

Volunteering is one of the most valuable ways to integrate into Canadian society, especially for Ukrainians who have recently arrived in Edmonton. It opens doors to new opportunities, helps build professional networks, gain Canadian work experience, improve English language skills, and make new friends in the local community. Edmonton has one of the largest Ukrainian communities in North America, with a population of over 144,000 people of Ukrainian descent, creating unique opportunities for volunteering in both Ukrainian and multicultural organizations. This guide will provide comprehensive information on how to find volunteer organizations in Edmonton, what types of volunteer positions are available, how to prepare for volunteering, and what benefits it brings to new immigrants.

As of November 2025, there are over 350 non-profit organizations in Edmonton that are members of the Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO), and most of them actively recruit volunteers. Volunteering in Edmonton is a well-organized sector with a support infrastructure, volunteer centers, online platforms for finding opportunities, and volunteer screening programs that ensure safety for both organizations and volunteers.

Understanding Edmonton's Volunteer Ecosystem

Before you start looking for specific volunteer opportunities, it is important to understand how the volunteer sector is organized in Edmonton and what resources are available to those who want to get involved in volunteer work.

Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO): a central resource for volunteers

The Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) is a membership-based non-profit organization serving the non-profit and charitable sector in the Edmonton Capital Region. ECVO helps organizations build and sustain their volunteer programs and services through resources, networking, and skill development opportunities. For individual volunteers, ECVO operates as a Volunteer Centre, helping people find meaningful and purposeful opportunities that are equitable and inclusive.

ECVO offers a free online workshop called “Volunteer Connections,” which is a great starting point for your volunteering journey. In this short online course, you will learn all about how to get involved in your community: what volunteering means, the benefits of volunteering, and how you can get started. If you need help finding your next volunteering adventure and are unsure where to start, you can book an appointment to come and chat with ECVO experts to find out what's available.

ECVO Volunteer Centre contact information:

Address: #101, Elm Business Park, 9426-51 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T6E 5A6
Phone: 780-428-5487
Email: [email protected]
Website: ecvo.ca

Volunteer Connector: an online platform for finding volunteer opportunities

Volunteer Connector is an online platform where you can browse volunteer opportunities that pop up across Alberta every day. On this platform, you can search for opportunities based on your interests and availability, and you'll be on your way to supporting an Alberta nonprofit with your next volunteer adventure. Volunteer Connector allows you to create a profile, save your favorite organizations, apply for volunteer positions online, and receive notifications about new opportunities that match your interests.

Website: volunteerconnector.org

211 Alberta: Social Services and Volunteer Opportunities Database

211 Alberta is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people with community, social, government, and health-related services in Alberta. The 211 Alberta website has a dedicated section for volunteer opportunities where you can search for organizations in Edmonton that accept volunteers. The database includes hundreds of organizations from various sectors, ranging from social services to health care, education, arts, animal welfare, and the environment.

Website: ab.211.ca

Edmonton Volunteer Fair: an annual event to meet organizations

ECVO organizes the annual Edmonton Volunteer Fair, which takes place in early May during National Volunteer Week (April 27 to May 3). It is Edmonton's largest volunteer fair, where dozens of non-profit organizations present their volunteer programs, meet with potential volunteers, and recruit new team members. Visiting the volunteer fair is a great way to learn about different organizations in one day, ask questions, get informational materials, and establish personal contact with representatives of the organizations.

Main categories of volunteer organizations in Edmonton

Edmonton offers a huge variety of volunteer opportunities in different sectors. Understanding the main categories will help you determine which organizations best suit your interests, skills, and goals.

Organizations to support new immigrants and refugees

For Ukrainians who have recently arrived in Edmonton, volunteering with organizations that support immigrants can be particularly valuable, as these organizations understand the challenges faced by newcomers and often have programs specifically designed to help volunteers gain Canadian experience.

The Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) is one of the largest organizations in Edmonton serving new immigrants and refugees. 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. EISA offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including:

Administrative volunteers: assist with office tasks, telephone communications, and data entry
Event volunteers: assist with program and organizational events
New Neighbors Program Mentors: provide social support to newcomers through one-on-one meetings
English Conversation Circle Facilitators: lead conversational English practice groups
Community Interpreters: translate documents to/from various languages
Tutors and mentors for after-school programs: support newly arrived youth

Contact: 780-474-8445 | eisa-edmonton.org

Edmonton Newcomer Centre 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. Volunteers help newcomers learn English, meet people from other cultures, gain new skills, gain valuable work experience, and build a welcoming, multicultural Edmonton. The organization expects volunteers to commit to at least 3 months, as most programs require time to build trust with clients.

Contact: newcomercentre.com

Catholic Social Services - Immigration and Settlement Services offers volunteer opportunities in the Cultural Links program, which connects newcomers with community members for cultural orientation and social support. The organization also provides volunteer opportunities for immigrants and refugees themselves who are looking for Canadian experience, want to meet other newcomers, or practice their English.

Contact: 780-424-3545 | cssalberta.ca

ERIEC (Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council) offers mentoring and Connector programs where volunteers share their experience and expertise with new immigrants. Business champions also gain valuable employee leadership development opportunities.

Contact: eriec.ca

Changing Together - A Centre for Immigrant Women has a volunteer work experience program for immigrant women.

The Centre for Race and Culture provides volunteer opportunities focused on intercultural dialogue and combating racism.

Ukrainian Organizations in Edmonton

Edmonton has a rich Ukrainian heritage and several organizations dedicated to preserving Ukrainian culture and supporting the Ukrainian community.

Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (Edmonton) - UCSS is an organization that provides a wide range of community services, mostly free of charge. The daily work of UCSS is made possible by the generous support of donors and volunteers. UCSS invites anyone who wishes to help to become a volunteer and dedicate some of their time to the agency. The organization provides information and advice to seniors, families, women, youth, sick, and isolated people in various areas.

Contact:

Address: 11717-97th Street, Edmonton, AB T5G 1Y3
Phone: 780-471-4477
Email: [email protected]
Website: ucssedmonton.ca

Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council has volunteer opportunities in Edmonton. The UCC works to support the Ukrainian community in Alberta and promote Ukrainian culture and interests.

YEG4Ukraine Humanitarian Aid Foundation 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. Within three weeks of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the organization had raised over $100,000 and launched its first humanitarian aid mission. Volunteers pack supplies based on requests from Ukraine or purchase supplies in Europe, if available.

Contact: yeg4ukraine.org

Plast - Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada is a Ukrainian youth organization for patriotic, inclusive self-development. Plast depends on the work of volunteer leaders, parental assistance, and the support of 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.

Contact: plast.ca

JustServe.org is a website where organizations can post their volunteer needs and volunteers can search for places to serve in the community. They work with a variety of Ukrainian communities to provide you with a variety of volunteer opportunities.

Poverty and Food Security Organizations

Bissell Centre works to overcome poverty in Edmonton and actively engages volunteers. The organization offers individual opportunities for one-time shifts or long-term commitments, as well as group opportunities for families, friends, colleagues, and student groups of 2 to 10 people. Volunteer roles include delivering bread, helping in the thrift store, supporting community members at the registration desk, and assisting with tax returns. Volunteers receive benefits such as work experience with the opportunity to receive a recommendation after 3+ months, a 25% discount at the charity shop, flexible scheduling through the MyImpact app, skill development through access to training, and a sense of purpose through meaningful community contribution.

Contact: bissellcentre.org | [email protected]

Edmonton's Food Bank relies heavily on volunteers to help with warehouse duties such as sorting food donations, repackaging food, assembling food kits, and organizing and cleaning the warehouse. In 2023, volunteers contributed over 141,000 hours of service. The Food Bank offers a variety of volunteer positions: drivers, agency assistants, sorters, repackers, kit builders, volunteer leaders, customer service staff, and special event volunteers. The organization is committed to providing a safe working environment with hand hygiene practices, safety video viewing, and disposable glove use.

Contact: edmontonsfoodbank.com

Hope Mission Edmonton provides shelter, food, and support to people experiencing homelessness.

The Mustard Seed works with people experiencing poverty and homelessness.

Boyle Street Community Services provides services to people experiencing homelessness and poverty.

Housing and Construction Organizations

Habitat for Humanity Edmonton relies on volunteers to support its affordable homeownership program. The organization offers several types of volunteer opportunities:

ReStore volunteers: assist in the ReStore social enterprise with customer service, loading and unloading donations, cleaning, pricing items, and merchandising. Skilled volunteers assist with recycling, repairing, and repurposing donations.
Construction assistants: Skilled carpenters and specialists work alongside Habitat staff and fellow professionals to complete repairs for the BuyBack program.
Office volunteers: Assist at the main office with reception, data entry, scanning, and data management projects.
Event volunteers: assist at various Habitat events, including home shows, groundbreaking and key ceremonies, and fundraising and donor events.

Contact: hfh.org

Health and mental health organizations

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Edmonton offers several meaningful volunteer opportunities:

Warm Line Volunteer: Volunteers provide empathetic, nonjudgmental listening to individuals experiencing emotional or mental health challenges, drawing on their own experiences of living with mental health.
Facilitator Suicide Bereavement Support Group: Volunteers facilitate support groups for people who have lost someone to suicide.
Fund Development and Special Events Ambassador: Volunteers help raise funds, friends, and awareness through various special events and third-party fundraisers (up to 6 events per year).

CMHA values diversity and welcomes applications from Indigenous peoples, new Canadians, racialized individuals, people with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

Contact: [email protected] | cmha-edmonton.ab.ca

Alberta Health Services has volunteer resources and programs throughout Edmonton.

St. John Ambulance offers volunteer opportunities related to first aid and medical assistance at events.

Educational Organizations

Edmonton Public Library (EPL) offers volunteer opportunities for adults (18+) and teens (13-17). From behind-the-scenes support to face-to-face interactions, EPL has volunteer opportunities for everyone. Volunteers help create a vibrant library experience for all Edmontonians. It is important to note that applications for the EPL volunteer program are only accepted when there is an available opportunity.

Contact: epl.ca

United for Literacy has a Homework Club program where volunteers help junior high school students (ages 12-16) and provide academic support, mentoring, and help build student confidence. Volunteers can work one-on-one or in small groups to share learning strategies, work on homework assignments that students are struggling with, and boost their confidence. The program is available in person at various Edmonton Public Library locations and online/remotely.

Contact: unitedforliteracy.ca/volunteer

Centre for Family Literacy provides volunteer opportunities to support family literacy.

Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta - Edmonton Chapter has volunteer programs to support individuals with learning difficulties.

Organizations for Children and Youth

Boys and Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area offers volunteer opportunities to mentor youth.

Crystal Kids Youth Centre provides programs and support for youth.

Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS) works with youth experiencing homelessness.

Old Strathcona Youth Society serves youth in the Old Strathcona area.

Start2Finish has an after-school Running and Reading Club program.

Organizations for Seniors

ElderCare Edmonton, Society for Adult Day Programs provides day programs for seniors and engages volunteers.

Operation Friendship Seniors Society offers programs and support for seniors.

Sage Seniors Association serves older members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Edmonton Meals on Wheels delivers meals to older adults and relies on volunteer drivers.

Central Lions Seniors Association and North West Edmonton Seniors Society are organizations for older adults with volunteer opportunities.

Animal and Environmental Protection Organizations

Northern Alberta Society for Animal Protection (NASAP) works with animals in need.

Zoe's Animal Rescue Society rescues and rehomes animals.

WILDNorth Northern Alberta Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation rescues and rehabilitates wildlife.

ElderDog Canada supports seniors and their dogs.

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - Northern Alberta Chapter works to protect natural areas.

Arts and Culture Organizations

Art Gallery of Alberta has volunteer opportunities to support the gallery and its programs.

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village allows volunteers to learn new job skills, enrich their cultural knowledge, and make new friends.

City and community programs

The City of Edmonton offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including volunteering for children's programs, special events, or as a zoo keeper's assistant. Volunteers contribute to the success of many initiatives, including events, day camps for children and youth, senior centers, public programs, and the city archives.

Contact: edmonton.ca

The Edmonton Police Service has several complex positions suitable for a variety of skills and availability. Volunteering with the EPS provides an opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, and become familiar with the needs of the Edmonton Police Service. Important: You must be 18 years of age or older, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, have been a resident of Edmonton for at least one year, and pass an Enhanced Security Check.

Contact: edmontonpolice.ca

Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch recruits volunteers for community safety programs.

Virtual and remote volunteer opportunities

In today's digital world, virtual volunteering is becoming an increasingly popular and accessible option for those with time, transportation, or physical limitations.

Virtual volunteering is done online via computers, tablets, or smartphones, usually outside the office of the nonprofit organization being supported. Virtual volunteering is flexible, often allowing the volunteer to complete a task or project on their own schedule. It is also not limited by geography, physical ability, or work location. You can choose to volunteer for an organization in your local community, across the country, or around the world without leaving your home.

Virtual volunteers can perform one-time, short-term, or ongoing tasks and projects. You can choose to volunteer once to write a blog, over several months to develop a website, or on an ongoing basis as a tutor who supports a student for one hour per week throughout the school year.

Examples of virtual volunteer opportunities include:

Tutoring and teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) online
Content creation (writing, editing, blogging, social media)
Graphic design and web design
Document translation
Data entry and administrative support
Research and data analysis
Social media management
Online counseling and mentoring
Technical support and programming

Some Edmonton organizations offering virtual volunteer opportunities:

United for Literacy (online Homework Club)
EISA (translating documents from home)
CMHA Edmonton (Warm Line - telephone support)

How to prepare for volunteering: requirements and screening process

Before you start volunteering, it is important to understand the typical requirements and screening process for volunteers in Edmonton. Screening volunteers is an important risk management practice for non-profit organizations.

Police Information Check

Most volunteer positions, especially those involving work with vulnerable populations (children, seniors, people with disabilities), require a Police Information Check (PIC) or a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (PIC VS).

Police Information Check (PIC) checks the applicant's criminal history and is conducted by police authorities. In Edmonton, these checks are conducted by the Edmonton Police Service (EPS).

Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (PIC VS) is an extended check that is required when a volunteer will be working in a position of trust or authority with vulnerable individuals, including children under 18, seniors aged 65+, physically or mentally impaired individuals, and other circumstances.

Volunteer Alberta Volunteer Screening Program (VSP): The Government of Alberta and Volunteer Alberta collaborate to deliver the Volunteer Screening Program. The goal of VSP is to help build a thriving, sustainable civil society by supporting Alberta's non-profit organizations in developing a deeper understanding of volunteer screening and engagement practices. VSP provides fee exemptions for approved volunteer positions that require Vulnerable Sector Checks.

Online application process for volunteers: The Edmonton Police Service has an online application system for Vulnerable Sector Checks for eligible volunteers under the Volunteer Alberta Volunteer Screening Program. This system allows you to apply for a police check 24 hours a day without having to visit their facility. If there are no concerns or further action required, you will receive an email with instructions on how to securely download your police clearance certificate. You will not be charged for this police clearance as it is funded by Volunteer Alberta. The estimated turnaround time for online applications is 15 business days or less.

Requirements:

You must live in Edmonton or one of the following cities and towns in the Greater Edmonton Area: Beaumont, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Morinville, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain
Two documents with acceptable personal identification (both must be government-issued, have your full name and date of birth, and one document must have a photo)
Acceptable documents: Alberta driver's license, birth certificate, Indian Status/Metis Status card, passport, immigration documents, citizenship card, permanent resident card

Other screening requirements

Depending on the organization and position, there may be additional requirements:

Interview
Letters of recommendation (usually 2-3 from non-relatives)
Resume or volunteer application
Orientation and training
Child Intervention Check (for working with children)

For volunteers aged 13-15: a police background check is not usually required, but two written references from non-relatives are required.

For volunteers aged 16+: entry-level positions, such as special events, may not require a police background check, but higher-level positions will require one.

Step-by-step guide: how to start volunteering in Edmonton

Now that you have an idea of the types of organizations and requirements, here is a step-by-step guide on how to start your volunteering journey in Edmonton.

Step 1: Identify your interests, skills, and goals

Before you start looking for volunteer opportunities, take some time to think about what interests you, what skills you want to use or develop, and what you hope to achieve through volunteering. Ask yourself:

What social issues or causes are important to me? (poverty, education, health care, the environment, animal rights, etc.)
What population group do I want to work with? (children, seniors, immigrants, people experiencing homelessness, etc.)
What skills do I have to offer? (language skills, technical skills, organizational skills, etc.)
What skills do I want to develop? (English language, leadership, communication, specific professional skills)
How much time can I commit? (one-time, a few hours per week, regular schedule)
Do I prefer hands-on work, administrative support, or working with people?
Am I comfortable working virtually/online, or do I prefer in-person interaction?

Step 2: Research organizations and opportunities

Use the resources described earlier to research organizations and find opportunities:

Online search:

Visit Volunteer Connector (volunteerconnector.org) and create a profile
Check out 211 Alberta (ab.211.ca) for a list of organizations
Search for specific organizations that interest you and visit their websites

In-person contact:

Make an appointment with the ECVO Volunteer Centre (780-428-5487, [email protected])
Visit the Edmonton Volunteer Fair during National Volunteer Week in May

Networking and referrals:

Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about their volunteer experiences
Connect with the Ukrainian community in Edmonton for recommendations
Attend community events and meet representatives from organizations

Step 3: Contact organizations and apply

Once you have found organizations that interest you:

Carefully read the volunteer position description and requirements
Contact the organization's volunteer coordinator by email or phone
Ask about the application process and what documents are required
Complete the volunteer application (online or paper)
Prepare your resume, even if you have limited Canadian experience
Gather letters of recommendation, if required

Tip for new immigrants: Don't be afraid to apply, even if your English isn't perfect or you don't have Canadian experience. Many organizations, especially those serving immigrants, understand these challenges and are willing to work with volunteers of varying levels of English and experience. Some organizations even have programs specifically designed to help newcomers gain Canadian experience through volunteering.

Step 4: Go through the screening process

If your application is accepted, the organization will guide you through the screening process:

Attend an interview (if required)
Provide letters of reference
Complete a Police Information Check (the organization can help you with this process)
Sign consent and confidentiality forms

Step 5: Attend orientation and training

Most organizations hold an orientation for new volunteers:

Learn about the organization's mission, values, and programs
Meet staff and other volunteers
Receive training for your specific role
Receive information about safety policies, confidentiality, and procedures
Ask questions and clarify expectations

Step 6: Begin volunteering

Once you have completed all of the previous steps, you are ready to begin volunteering:

Be punctual and reliable
Communicate with your volunteer coordinator
Ask for help or clarification when needed
Be open to feedback and learning
Respect clients, staff, and other volunteers
Follow the organization's policies and procedures

Step 7: Evaluate and continue

After several months of volunteering:

Evaluate your experience: does it meet your expectations and goals?
Talk to your volunteer coordinator about your experience
Consider opportunities to expand your role or take on more responsibility
Ask for a letter of recommendation or proof of experience for your resume
If it's not a good fit, look for other opportunities—volunteering should be rewarding for you and the organization

Benefits of volunteering for newcomer immigrants

Volunteering has numerous benefits, especially for Ukrainians who have recently arrived in Edmonton:

Canadian work experience: Volunteering is one of the best ways to gain Canadian work experience, which is often required by employers. After 3+ months of volunteering, most organizations provide letters of recommendation.

English language practice: Volunteering provides regular practice of spoken English in real-life situations, which helps improve language skills faster than classroom lessons alone.

Networking and professional connections: Volunteering allows you to meet people in your industry or community, build professional networks, and potentially learn about job opportunities.

Understanding Canadian culture: Working with Canadian organizations, you will learn about Canadian work culture, workplace expectations, and social norms.

Skill development: Volunteering allows you to use the skills you already have and learn new ones.

Building confidence: A successful volunteer experience builds confidence in your abilities and helps you feel more comfortable in the Canadian environment.

Social connections and friendship: Volunteering helps combat the isolation and loneliness that newcomers often experience by providing opportunities to meet new friends.

Sense of purpose and contribution: Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose and allows you to make a positive contribution to your new community.

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: Take the first step toward community engagement

Edmonton offers a rich variety of volunteer opportunities for Ukrainians and all newcomers who want to integrate into Canadian society, gain valuable experience, and make a positive contribution to their new community. From immigrant support organizations to Ukrainian cultural groups, from food banks to libraries, from health care organizations to animal welfare, there are opportunities for everyone, regardless of English proficiency, skills, or prior experience.

Start by identifying your interests and goals, research organizations through Volunteer Connector, 211 Alberta, and ECVO Volunteer Centre, and reach out to organizations that resonate with you. Don't be afraid of the language barrier or lack of Canadian experience — many organizations welcome newcomer volunteers and understand the unique challenges you face.

Remember that volunteering should be a mutually rewarding experience. It's not just about what you give to the organization, but also what you get back: skills, experience, connections, confidence, and a sense of belonging to your new community. With patience, openness, and commitment, you can find meaningful volunteer opportunities in Edmonton that will help you build a successful and prosperous life in Canada.

How to find volunteer organizations in Edmonton?