Edmonton offers an extremely wide range of volunteer opportunities, making it one of Canada's most welcoming cities for those who want to help the community while gaining valuable Canadian experience. For Ukrainian newcomers, volunteering is a strategic step toward successful integration, as it allows them to practice English, expand their professional network, obtain letters of recommendation, and become familiar with Canadian work culture. It is estimated that there are over 4,000 non-profit organizations operating in Edmonton, each of which needs volunteer support to carry out its mission. The Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) brings together over 350 member organizations and has been working for over 20 years to strengthen the region's non-profit sector by coordinating volunteer efforts and providing resources for community initiatives.
Newcomer Support and Immigration Services
One of the most significant areas of volunteering in Edmonton is working with new immigrants and refugees, which is of particular importance to the city's Ukrainian community. The Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) engages over 400 dedicated and experienced volunteers and offers a variety of positions for those who want to help newcomers adapt to life in Canada. Volunteer positions at EISA include organizing events, participating in the New Neighbors Program as a mentor, facilitating English conversation circles, and working as a mentor and tutor for youth in afterschool programs.
The Matching Service within the New Neighbors Program allows volunteer mentors to provide social support to newcomers through one-on-one communication, which requires a commitment of 20 hours over three months. Mentors help newcomers make new friends, learn about community amenities and resources, practice English, get to know Edmonton, and share information about Canadian culture and customs. For those who prefer group work, the English Conversation Circle Facilitator position involves leading regular sessions where groups of adult newcomers practice conversational English in an informal setting.
The Edmonton Newcomer Centre is another key organization that works with 17,000 newcomers from around the world each year through five locations and various community hubs. The organization has over 150 volunteers who are the backbone of its operations, and together they support newcomers in building a new life in Edmonton. The benefits of volunteering at the Newcomer Centre include helping newcomers learn English, making new friends, meeting people from other cultures, learning new skills, and gaining valuable work experience. Volunteers must be prepared to commit for at least three months, as most programs require time to build trust with clients.
Catholic Social Services provides volunteer opportunities for immigrants and refugees seeking a Canadian experience, a chance to meet other newcomers, or to practice English. ASSIST Community Services Centre offers employment counselling and volunteer positions to work with Edmonton's diverse communities.
Supporting the Ukrainian community
For those who want to help the Ukrainian community specifically, Edmonton offers unique opportunities through specialized Ukrainian organizations. Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (Edmonton) invites volunteers to join the organization and help provide a wide range of community services, mostly free of charge. The organization's daily activities are made possible by the generous support of donors and volunteers, and it welcomes anyone who wants to help and give their time to the agency.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress — Alberta Provincial Council (UCCAB) supports a variety of volunteer opportunities to support Ukrainian newcomers and the community at large. The JustServe.org platform works with various Ukrainian communities to provide volunteer opportunities, and if you want to explore other volunteer opportunities in your community, this resource can help you find suitable positions. There is also a Facebook group called Ukrainian Volunteers of Edmonton, which coordinates volunteer initiatives and the needs of the Ukrainian community.
Food security and hunger relief
Volunteering in the area of food security is one of the most in-demand and accessible areas for newcomers in Edmonton. Edmonton's Food Bank is one of the city's largest food organizations and supports over 350 different agencies, churches, and food depots. Food Bank volunteers contributed over 141,000 hours in 2023, demonstrating the scale of community involvement.
Volunteer positions at Edmonton's Food Bank include driving to deliver food baskets to 66 community food pantries across the city and collecting donated food from food industry partners and corporate donors. The sorting position is one of the most popular and involves sorting food donations, repackaging products, assembling food baskets, and organizing and cleaning the warehouse. The minimum age for sorting volunteers is 16, while for drivers it is 18.
The Lead Volunteer position is an important role that helps with training and engaging new volunteers at the warehouse, acting as an extension of the staff team. This position requires a minimum of 30 volunteer hours and 2 months of volunteer experience at the Edmonton Food Bank. Special event volunteers are ambassadors for the Food Bank, representing the organization to the public, communicating its needs, and encouraging donations to support its work.
CANAVUA (Canadian Volunteers United in Action Society) is a non-profit organization that offers community services including a food bank, community food truck, mobile farmers market, transportation for seniors, and an airport meet-and-greet program for newcomers. The organization's mission is to provide direct practical services and promote volunteerism and community involvement.
Animal Care and Humanitarian Aid
The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) has been Edmonton's leading animal welfare organization since 1907, and volunteers and foster teams are an integral part of all aspects of EHS's work, from animal care and enrichment to fundraising. Each year, EHS takes in approximately 12,000 animals, and volunteers play a critical role in ensuring their well-being.
Volunteer positions at the Edmonton Humane Society include walking dogs, socializing with cats, caring for rabbits, washing dishes, doing laundry, counting coins, providing administrative assistance, and helping at events. The Animal Ambassador program allows EHS adopters and their pets to represent the organization at various events and local community outreach initiatives. Volunteer ambassadors greet members of the public, introduce them to their furry companion, share their unique adoption story, and encourage others to support the organization's mission.
The Shelter Takeover program invites organizations to “take over” the shelter for a day, providing a unique hands-on experience for corporate teams. Participants receive a tour, scheduled group activities, lunch, and the opportunity to interact with one of the animal ambassadors. The program can accommodate groups of up to 12 people and requires a minimum contribution of $2,500.
For young volunteers, there are opportunities to participate in certain volunteer roles independently, while others may require the presence of parents or guardians. A maximum of two young people aged 12 to 16 can volunteer in a group with a guardian aged 18 or older.
Support for the elderly
Volunteering in the field of elderly care is extremely important for Edmonton, given the growing proportion of elderly people in the city. ElderCare Edmonton offers volunteer positions in recreation programs, where volunteers participate in on-site day programs, including physical games, leading arts and crafts activities, and engaging in meaningful conversations with clients.
Sage Seniors Association is one of Edmonton's leading senior support organizations, where volunteers touch every area of the organization's work. The time commitment is flexible, with most volunteer opportunities taking place Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Volunteers can take on a variety of roles depending on their available time and skills. After 30 hours of volunteering during the year, volunteers are eligible for a free individual membership in the organization.
Westend Seniors Activity Centre relies entirely on the dedication and generosity of volunteers to run its programs, activities, and support services for seniors. Volunteering with this organization is a fun way to meet new people and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Available positions include volunteer drivers for the frozen meal delivery program and volunteers at the reception desk.
Drive Happiness is another important program that needs volunteer drivers to help seniors with transportation. Volunteer drivers set their own schedules and choose where they will drive, and the organization offers a small reimbursement for gas and car wear and tear. Even two hours a week can make a difference in the life of a senior.
St. Michael's Health Group offers volunteer opportunities where volunteers play a vital role in enriching the lives of residents. They generously share their time both on site and in the community, and their heartfelt contributions of love, compassion, and support bring joy to the residents.
Health Care and Hospitals
Alberta Health Services has over 14,000 amazing volunteers who share a commitment to improving the quality of the experience for patients and their families. Volunteers are an integral part of the health care team, supporting and enhancing the work of health care professionals. Volunteer roles at AHS include wayfinders who help guide patients and families through busy facilities, friendly visitors who spend time with socially isolated patients, patient and family advisors who provide input and direction to AHS on numerous committees, and support for volunteer retail operations.
University of Alberta Hospitals (including Stollery Children's Hospital, Mazankowski Heart Institute, and Kaye Edmonton Clinic) offer a variety of volunteer roles across all hospitals. Volunteers assist patients, their families, and staff, focusing on positive patient experiences. The joining process includes completing an application, an interview, and completing the volunteer onboarding process.
Alberta Hospital Edmonton provides volunteer opportunities in the area of mental health and addiction. Volunteers play an integral role in supporting patients and their family members in staff-led programs and on an individual basis.
The University Hospital Foundation engages volunteers in its initiatives, and one of its largest events is the Festival of Trees, where more than 2,000 volunteers help run the foundation's largest fundraising event. The festival has raised more than $25 million since 1985, supporting a variety of vital medical projects.
Mental Health and Crisis Support
The Canadian Mental Health Association — Edmonton (CMHA Edmonton) offers unique volunteer opportunities in the field of mental health. The Distress Line Volunteer position is one of the most meaningful — volunteers are often the first and only contact for callers who need support, information, understanding, or simply a listening ear. All volunteers receive 90 hours of intensive basic training in communication skills, community resources, suicide awareness and prevention, crisis intervention, and peer support.
Warm Line Volunteer is a non-crisis peer-to-peer telephone support position for people experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties. Volunteers offer empathetic, nonjudgmental listening and understanding, drawing on their own experiences with mental health.
Mental Health Copilots (MHC) is a nonprofit organization that helps people access mental health resources. Volunteers work one-on-one with clients, helping them find local services, understand and choose between therapeutic alternatives, explore payment options, and contact providers to request an appointment. The organization has grown from 10 volunteers to a team of over 30 people serving all of Alberta.
CASA Mental Health offers volunteer opportunities in both support and clinical streams. Support stream volunteers assist with administrative tasks related to programs, research, donor stewardship, marketing, and fundraising events. The clinical stream allows volunteers to support CASA's clinical programs and have direct contact with patients and families.
Environmental Protection and Urban Green Spaces
The environmental protection field offers great opportunities for volunteers who love nature and outdoor activities. Capital City Clean Up is an Edmonton program aimed at reducing litter and preventing graffiti. Volunteers work with communities, contractors, and businesses to create a visible impact, and the program runs seasonally with events throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
Partners in Parks allows volunteers to help keep Edmonton's green spaces pristine, especially shrub beds. Most of the work involves cleaning up parks and open spaces, with litter removal and weeding shrub beds as the main tasks. In 2024, approximately 600 shrub beds were adopted, and an impressive 300 volunteers participated in the effort.
Root for Trees is a program for those who want to see Edmonton's urban forestry flourish. The Edmonton & Area Land Trust (EALT) offers three main programs for volunteers: Citizen Science, Conservation Land Stewards, and Conservation Outreach Volunteers. EALT volunteers have a real and tangible impact on nature conservation by helping to care for conservation lands, build community support, and educate the public about environmental stewardship.
The North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society works to preserve and protect Edmonton's natural heritage—the river valley and ravine system. The organization takes a leadership role in educating and connecting people and ensuring that decisions are made based on conservation values.
Arts, Culture, and Festivals
Edmonton is a cultural capital with numerous festivals, theaters, and arts organizations that need volunteer support. The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival is the largest and oldest Fringe Theatre Festival in North America and requires a team of 1,000 volunteers to run. The festival welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and abilities, and basic requirements include being 14 years of age or older, completing an online orientation course, and working a minimum of 4 shifts (approximately 16 hours) during the 11-day festival.
The Citadel Theatre offers volunteer usher positions, which provide the highest quality of customer service to visitors. Volunteers help set up the lobby, assist visitors in finding their seats, sell ice cream, and serve as ambassadors for the theatre to new visitors. In return for their time, volunteers receive free theatre tickets, invitations to exclusive Citadel events, and other benefits.
The Edmonton Heritage Festival needs hundreds of amazing, dedicated, and hard-working volunteers in nearly 20 sections to support the festival. Benefits of volunteering include a sense of community, making new friends, developing new skills, and participating in an inclusive environment. Volunteers who work the minimum required hours (1 shift is approximately 5 hours) will receive festival souvenirs, snacks and drinks during their shift, an ETS pass for the dates of the festival, and the opportunity to participate in a scholarship draw.
Taste of Edmonton welcomes volunteers who bring their energy and cheerful spirit to support the festival. Flexible scheduling options are available to accommodate your availability, and benefits include a festival shirt, Taste of Edmonton tickets, snacks and drinks, a volunteer appreciation BBQ, and an invitation to the volunteer appreciation celebration.
The Edmonton International Street Performers Festival (Streetfest) is looking for volunteers who are willing to make a 20-hour commitment (usually 4 shifts of 5 hours each). Volunteer teams include Artist Services, where volunteers assist the Clippy team with artists.
The Art Gallery of Alberta and Harcourt House Artist Run Centre offer volunteer opportunities for those interested in visual arts. At Harcourt House, volunteers can work as gallery attendants, assist with exhibition installation and de-installation, support educational programs, and work on marketing and outreach. The Mitchell Art Gallery at MacEwan University invites volunteers to spend 2-3 hours per week monitoring the gallery during each exhibition, and volunteers receive exclusive access to workshops on best practices for public galleries.
Sports and Recreation
Sports volunteering is a great opportunity for those who enjoy an active lifestyle and want to support athletic development in the community. KidSport Edmonton exists thanks to incredible partners and enthusiastic volunteers. The organization is always looking for volunteers to help with many important roles at a variety of fun events and activities throughout the year. Opportunities range from one-time support at fundraising events to strategic positions on one of the branch's committees.
Special Olympics Alberta invites volunteers to share their passion for sports, build friendships and networks, and enjoy helping others succeed in sports and reach their potential. CADS Edmonton (Canadian Adaptive Snowsports) welcomes volunteers for both on-snow and off-snow positions—there is a role for everyone, regardless of your skiing ability. Volunteer instructors teach on the snow, and CASI/CSIA certification is not required, but confidence skiing on green and blue trails is necessary.
Golden Bears & Pandas Athletics at the University of Alberta relies on volunteers every day to support the history, excellence, and tradition of their programs. Volunteers support athletics-related charitable events such as KidSport Edmonton and Kids Up Front Edmonton, as well as assist with game day operations.
Sport Central needs volunteers for daily warehouse tasks, which helps support programs that provide sports equipment to families in need.
Education, Literacy, and Youth Work
The field of education and literacy offers particularly meaningful volunteer opportunities for those who want to impact the future of the younger generation. United for Literacy (formerly Frontier College) believes that literacy is a right and works with volunteers and community partners to give people the skills and confidence they need to reach their potential. Each year, more than 1,500 volunteers dedicate thousands of hours to United for Literacy—they tutor math, reading, and writing, read stories in Reading Tents, help at special events, and much more.
The Centre for Family Literacy in Edmonton is looking for tutors to help adult learners improve their reading, writing, math, and/or digital literacy skills. Volunteers meet one-on-one each week and work on the learner's literacy goals, and the organization prides itself on its matching process, taking into account the interests, availability, and skills of volunteers. Each CFL tutor receives training and ongoing support from staff, as well as access to digital and physical resource libraries.
Edmonton Public Library (EPL) offers volunteer opportunities for both adults (18+) and teens (13-17). The Reading Buddies program gives middle and high school students aged 13-17 the opportunity to volunteer their time and enthusiasm by mentoring children in grades 2-4. Teens and schoolchildren come together for one-on-one reading and interactive games.
iHuman Youth Society invites volunteers to join the community and change the lives of young people. Volunteers are united by a shared passion—an unwavering desire to uplift and support young people in the community. Whether through mentoring, creative engagement, or lending a listening ear, volunteers play a crucial role in guiding at-risk youth toward a brighter future.
BGCBigs (Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters) offers multiple programs for volunteers, and it's easy to find the right program for you, your goals, and your availability. For most programs, volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, with the exception of Tutoring and the school mentoring program for teens aged 16-18.
TELUS World of Science — Edmonton invites volunteers to join Team Purple, and the minimum age is 15 with a completed Grade 9 science course. Volunteers immerse themselves in exciting topics ranging from astronomy to zoology, enriching their knowledge and understanding of science, teaching, public relations, and customer service. Benefits include free general admission, immersive films and live presentations in the IMAX and Zeidler Dome theaters, as well as discounts at various amenities within the Science Centre.
Construction and Housing
Habitat for Humanity Edmonton offers volunteer opportunities for those who have construction skills or want to develop them. The Construction Assistant position is designed for skilled carpenters or construction professionals who want to make a meaningful impact. Volunteers work alongside Habitat staff and fellow professionals to complete renovations for the BuyBack program, and once renovated to modern standards, these homes are sold to the next family in need of affordable housing.
Volunteer positions at ReStore include sales assistants, appliance testers, and office volunteers. Event volunteering opportunities are also available, where volunteers assist at Home Shows, groundbreaking and key presentation ceremonies, and fundraising and donor events.
Poverty Alleviation and Social Support
The Bissell Centre is one of Edmonton's leading organizations working to end poverty. Volunteers play a vital role in achieving the organization's mission, and benefits of volunteering include work experience (letter of recommendation after 3+ months of volunteering), 25% discount at the Thrift Shop, flexible scheduling through the MyImpact app, and access to the same training as Bissell staff.
Opportunities range from short-term tasks, such as delivering bread or helping in the Thrift Store, to more structured roles, such as supporting community members at the reception desk or helping with tax returns. Group opportunities are available for families, friends, colleagues, and student groups of 2 to 10 people.
Boyle Street Community Services has been supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty in Edmonton since 1971. Volunteering at Boyle Street builds relationships through shared commitments to a more compassionate, connected, and equitable community.
How to find volunteer opportunities
Volunteer Connector is a provincial volunteer matching website that allows you to search for local opportunities and use filters to find the best fit. The platform partners with the Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) to expand the listings of volunteer opportunities in Edmonton. You can filter listings by keywords, your motivations and interests, the amount of time you can volunteer, and many other parameters.
Volunteer Alberta provides programs, services, and resources to assist with recruiting and screening volunteers, establishing a non-profit organization, working with corporations, and engaging a board of directors. 211 Alberta (ab.211.ca) offers a comprehensive directory of volunteer opportunities throughout Edmonton with the ability to search by topic and location.
For newcomers, volunteering is one of the most valuable ways to integrate into Canadian society, gain Canadian experience, and build professional networks. Specific benefits of volunteering include practicing a new language, learning new skills, gaining Canadian experience, and making social connections. No matter what field you choose, volunteering in Edmonton will open doors to new opportunities, help you make friends, and allow you to make a meaningful contribution to the community that has become your new home.