The 13 Calgary Volunteering Initiatives That Will Make Your Heart Grow Three Sizes

Is Netflix and couch-dwelling your usual jam? Good news! There’s a cure for that, and it involves getting out and changing lives (including your own). Calgary’s volunteer scene is bursting with ways to make a difference and have way more fun than binge-watching ever could.

Think about it: instead of another episode where nothing really happens, you could be feeding the hungry, teaching kids to read, or even cuddling rescue puppies (seriously!).  

So maybe ditch the remote, shake off the couch potato blues, and participate in the best volunteering initiatives in Calgary. Our city needs you, and let’s be honest, you probably need it too – or at least you need the puppies!

1. Calgary Public Library

BEST FOR	Education
PRODUCTS	Volunteer Work, Classes, Programs, Scholarships
WEBSITE	https://www.calgarylibrary.ca/your-library/volunteer/
ADDRESS	800 3 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2E7 (Central Library/Office)
CONTACT DETAILS	Phone: (403)260-2613 E-mail: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday–Thursday, 9:00am–8:00pm Friday, 9:00am–6:00pm Saturday, 9:00am–5:00pm Sunday, 12:00pm–5:00pm

With 21 public libraries all over the city, Calgary Public Library offers many volunteering opportunities for both adult and youth prospects.

Adult volunteers first go through tests and police inspections. If you’re an adult volunteer, some of the work you can do is facilitating child playdates and teen career programs.

If you’re a youth volunteer, you can share your knowledge as part of Math Quest, Coding Buddies & Code Club, and many other learning programs. Calgary Public Library also helps the best volunteers in Calgary by offering the Bright Futures Scholarship.

Highlights

• 21 locations for volunteer work
• Adult and youth volunteers accepted
• Learning, reading, and writing programs
• Bright Futures Scholarship

Customer Reviews

What volunteers love about Calgary Public Library is how it fosters good communication skills with children, teenagers, and adults. These reviews will tell you more.

“At the library you meet a lot of other ethnicities, you also communicate a lot with your buddy and adults, the staff treats everyone comfortably, great place to volunteer at.”

“When I was volunteering at the Calgary Public Library i learnt to work with school age kids, tutoring them in mathematics, reading, and writing. The other volunteers were a pleasure to work with.”

2. Calgary Food Bank

BEST FOR	Food Donating Efforts
PRODUCTS	Food Drives, Fundraising Events, Volunteer Work
WEBSITE	https://www.calgaryfoodbank.com/
ADDRESS	5000 11 Street SE Calgary, AB  T2H 2Y5
CONTACT DETAILS	Phone: (403) 253-2059 E-mail: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday–Thursday, 8:30am–4:30pm Friday, 8:30am–4:00 pm

Calgary Food Bank lends a hand to many families and individuals in need of a stable food source. It’s certainly had some of the best volunteers in Calgary over the years.

The food bank distributes over 100,000 food hampers every year with the help of generous sponsors and food partners.

As long as you pass their test for health and safety training, you can volunteer as a crate washer, distributor, or ID scanner. They can also station you in their warehouse, baby room, or at their call centre.

Highlights

• Food distribution services
• Warehouse, baby room, and call centre work
• Health and safety training test

Customer Reviews

Here’s what previous volunteers have to say about the work environment at Calgary Food Bank.

“Are you ready to volunteer? This is a great place to do so, either by yourself or with friends or coworkers. We came here a few times with a lot of people from work and it becomes a team building event while you help them run the place. Very well organized and the staff could not be nicer.”Ignacio Ottati

“It was a great place to volunteer very friendly staff.Even the other volunteers were very friendly. Light work so anyone of any age group can help”Usman Khan

3. Calgary Drop-in Centre

BEST FOR	Homeless Aid
PRODUCTS	Temporary Shelter, Housing Solutions, Health Services
WEBSITE	https://www.calgarydropin.ca/
ADDRESS	1 Dermot Baldwin Way SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0P8
CONTACT DETAILS	Phone: (403) 263-5707
OPERATING HOURS	Open 24/7

Calgary Drop-in Centre is the place to best volunteer in Calgary if you want to help homeless people find a home of their own.

This charity organization helps homeless people get back on their feet by providing temporary shelter, employment training, health services, and housing support.

You can help by serving food, knitting winter wear, and assisting in warehouse activities when you apply to volunteer. The best part is that you can volunteer as an individual or as a group.

Highlights

• Help for the homeless
• Variety of volunteer activities
• Volunteering as an individual or group

Customer Reviews

With Calgary Drop-in Centre’s kind staff, you can surely improve your skills and grow to be the best volunteer in Calgary, all while serving a good cause. Read these reviews from previous volunteers to know more.

“We volunteered to serve food. The employees cooked, and it looked of good quality. Employees were extremely organized and friendly. Patrons of drop in center were appreciative of the volunteers and meal. It’s an excellent amenity. If you have the means to donate time or money I’d recommend. The clientele is very diverse and need the help.”Lindsay Walker 

“I have been a volunteer for over 10 years. This shelter turns away no one and offers a wide array of programs to assist Calgary’s most vulnerable population. Keep up the good work!”Natalie Ross

4. AARCS – Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society

BEST FOR	Animals and Wildlife
PRODUCTS	Animal Rescue Initiatives
WEBSITE	https://www.aarcs.ca/
ADDRESS	5060 74 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2C 3C9
CONTACT DETAILS	Phone: (403) 250-7377 E-mail: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm

Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) offers medical solutions, shelter, and other support programs to rescued animals in Calgary.

You can volunteer as a caregiver to the Safe Haven, a shelter for homeless animals. They are also occasionally looking for volunteers willing to help in fundraising, transportation, and publicity.

As long as you can meet their requirements, such as committing for at least a year, AARCS will be the way for you to best volunteer in Calgary.

Highlights

• Animal shelter and vet clinic
• Fundraisers, drivers, photographers, and videographers
• One-year minimum commitment 

Customer Reviews

Know more about the organization’s opportunities by looking at these reviews from their volunteers.

“I’ve volunteered at this place and what they are doing is amazing. I would highly recommend to pay them a visit and see if you can help them out. They are doing great things for our province.”Ignacio Ottati

“ Great organization, the right balance of heart and ability to maintain high animal welfare standards. Their new facility is really great! I adopted a puppy from them ages ago and I volunteer when I can. I recommend them to everyone who’s looking to volunteer/foster/adopt/donate!”Stephanie Findlay

5. Youth Central

BEST FOR	Variety of Youth Opportunities
PRODUCTS	Work Opportunities, Foundation Grants
WEBSITE	https://www.youthcentral.com/
ADDRESS	105 12 Ave SE Suite 820, Calgary, AB T2G 1A1
CONTACT DETAILS	Phone: (403) 266-5448 E-mail: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm

Youth Central was established in 1992 to provide volunteering opportunities for the youth. They provide vital roles to empower the youth and improve their skills.

They have outreach programs and municipal work you can immerse yourself in. Youth Central also has an ongoing program called the Calgary Youth Foundation, where volunteers scout worthy community projects and pitch them to potential funders.

If you’re within the 12-to-18-year-old age range, then you can register as a volunteer. You’ll be updated for opportunities on their site and your volunteer hours will also reflect on your profile 48 hours after your work.

Highlights

• Youth-centred work opportunities
• Calgary Youth Foundation and other programs
• Online profile and list of opportunities 

Customer Reviews

Read these reviews from their youth volunteers to know if Youth Central is the organization where you can best volunteer in Calgary.

“The most valuable part of Youth Central is meeting all of the other like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.”

“Youth Central’s Youth Volunteer Corps has given me opportunities to discover my passions and explore the world around me – it has sparked a lot of inspiration in me!”

6. Grow Calgary

BEST FOR	Volunteer Programs Focusing On Fresh Produce
PRODUCTS	Education, Veteran Programs
WEBSITE	https://www.growcalgary.ca/
ADDRESS	Range Rd 293A, Rocky View County, AB T0M 0E0, Canada
CONTACT DETAILS	+1 403 383 3420 | [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Contact for more details

Grow Calgary is Canada’s largest urban community farm. They are a nonprofit organization that grows fresh produce for social agencies in Calgary with food access programs.

Thanks to their volunteers and the generous spirit of the community, they have managed to donate to over 40 Compassionate Food Access Agencies in Calgary, with 95% of their recipients being women and children. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that all residents of Calgary, especially those who are vulnerable and living in poverty, have consistent access to healthy, local food.

Highlights

• Healthy food
• Volunteer run
• Various initiatives

Customer Reviews

Here’s what people have to say about Grow Calgary:

“What a great place, doing great things 🙂 thanks Paul!!!!”

“My experience was very warm and inviting. My first visit was during winter to pick up seeds and tray of dirt to help for their growing season. I’ll edit my review for other seasons as I’m there.”

7. Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta (CPPA)

BEST FOR	Help for cerebral palsy patients
PRODUCTS	Health & wellness programs, fundraisers, donation drives
WEBSITE	https://www.cpalberta.com/
ADDRESS	12001 44 St SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4G9
CONTACT DETAILS	(403) 543-1161
OPERATING HOURS	Saturday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4.30 PM

With the belief of “There’s no limit to the hero you can be!”, Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta (CPAA) offers various ways for you to help other people. Through this organization, you can volunteer, join fundraisers, donate money, or contribute items.

To create more opportunities to help cerebral palsy patients, CPAA also has creative programs and events. Such events include poker nights, golf tournaments, and artisan markets.

You can thus volunteer for any of their events or fundraisers. But if you want to do more, you can also sign up as one of their members, where you can also have fun attending and organizing CPAA’s health & wellness programs.

Highlights

• Geared towards helping cerebral palsy patients
• One-time volunteering for events
• Creative events and programs
• Free health & wellness programs

Customer Reviews

Here’s what one of their volunteers have to say about her experience with CPAA.

“I love volunteering with Music Circle every week and working with Marcus Fung.”—Susan Whalen Janzen

8. Women’s Centre Of Calgary

BEST FOR	Women centered services
PRODUCTS	Basic needs, legal and financial assistance, agency referrals, resources, workshops
WEBSITE	http://www.womenscentrecalgary.org/
ADDRESS	39 – 4 Street NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 3R6
CONTACT DETAILS	(403) 264-1155 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Thursday: 9:30am–5:30pm Friday – Sunday: Closed

Women’s Centre Of Calgary is a safe haven for women facing poverty, abuse, unemployment, homelessness and etc. They understand the gap of living with men, and have created a place in which women can feel empowered in the presence of each other regardless of background. 

With over 800 women volunteers providing free workshops, legal and financial assistance, and other resources, Women’s Centre Of Calgary definitely is an essential place for every woman. Whatever your problem may be, just drop by and they will ensure to help in respect to your dignity as a woman.

Highlights

• Their view in aiding women are intersectional, and tackling gender based issues in relation to poverty and family
• Their place is now open for volunteers, and they will receive safe training following new protocols

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of Women’s Centre Of Calgary’s clients:

“A supportive place that welcomes all women. I volunteer here and what I love most is that the Women’s Centre provides accessible resources in a practical, non-judgmental manner. I feel like this centre is a micro-community of women looking to build each other up and challenge the gendered lense that the world is often viewed through. Would highly recommend getting involved!”

Here’s another one:

“Womens Centre of Calgary is one of the best places to go when you are in need. They have so many great programs, you can visit them once a month to get a couple toiletries that you may need like toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoo etc. And they have a child birthday program up to two weeks before your childs birthday you can go in with your childs identification and pick out a free gift from a selection they will provide you based on ideas you give them, I am not 100% sure if there is an age that they stop at or not. I am a low income mother of an 4 year old Autistic child and his birthday just passed and I went in and talked to a lovely worker who gave me a great selection of Brand New Never opened toys for my son and I was able to pick out a Baby Shark Playdoh set for him. The workers here are always so sweet and super helpful. If you are ever in need of anything just give them a call and they will set you up with an appointment and let you know what they can help with. This organization is great and honestly they have helped me so much, I really appreciate everything they have done for me and my son. I believe they even have times where they can help you with your taxes, getting identification etc. So helpful and if they dont have what you need they usually will be able to direct you in the right direction! Womens Centre is Great!!”

9. Canadian Trigeminal Neuralgia Association (CaTNA)

BEST FOR	Those with Trigeminal Neuralgia who need support
PRODUCTS	Support groups and informational campaigns
WEBSITE	www.catna2.ca
ADDRESS	3 Sunmills Green SE – #413, Calgary, AB, T2X 3N9
CONTACT DETAILS	[email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Contact for more details

The Canadian Trigeminal Neuralgia Association (CaTNA) is an organization made up of volunteers who provide information and support to Canadians with this disorder. They have have support groups in communities across Canada and are ready to help establish additional groups as needed.

Support Group meetings are regularily in each community. There are no fees to attend although a donation at the meeting is always welcome.

Highlights

• Dedicated to their cause
• Regularly hosts events that spread awareness

10. Diversecities

BEST FOR	Community service
PRODUCTS	Basic needs, legal and financial assistance, agency referrals, resources, workshops
WEBSITE	https://www.diversecities.org/
ADDRESS	1406 Centre Street N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 2R9 Canada
CONTACT DETAILS	Phone: +1 (403) 265-8446 Fax: +1 (403) 233-0070 Email: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Weekends / Holidays: Closed

To visible minorities, marginalized groups, both young and old, Diversecities is a community service that provides assistance in four key life areas: Economic Integration, Social Connection, Well-being, and Learning. THey uniquely form long-term relationships and guide Calgarians to reach their full potential.

Diversecities is eager to practice human-centred ways of thinking, using an empathic and experientially driven approach to their programs.

They aim to return to the very core of the principles the organization was founded on: to create an inclusive and supportive society, where all peoples have equitable access to every aspect of good that Canada has to offer.

Highlights

• Makes social mobility accessible for Calgarians
• Diversecities’ work to help Calgarians achieve their potential is guided by a number of frameworks, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review of Diversecities:

“David is super helpful for my tax return. He is always passionate about his work and caring about your concerns and willing to offer as many help as he can! Really a good experience and highly recommend people go to CCCSA if you need the related help.“

Here’s another one:

“This is a wonderful place help people out. They help people who has language problem to open heart makes friends. Help people to get payment such like the boss don’t wanna pay salary.because discriminate the person who can’t speak English. Help people who want to Seattle in Canada but they don’t know how. Help people learn how to love. Learn How to help other people. And they have different part to help different people.some has EI question. Some have family problem. . . I love place that full of love. Thanks cccsa thanks Canada“

11. Inn from the Cold

BEST FOR	Offering shelter and housing
PRODUCTS	Homelessness prevention and diversion program Emergency Shelter Program Housing Program
WEBSITE	https://innfromthecold.org/
ADDRESS	#106, 110 – 11th Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2G 0X5 Canada
CONTACT DETAILS	Email: [email protected] Phone: 403 797 2843 Event inquiries and general marketing support for third-party fundraisers Email: [email protected] Phone: 403 473 2083 Inquiries about volunteering Email: [email protected] Phone: 403 776 3290 Inquiries about society membership Email: [email protected] General marketing and communication inquiries Email: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Contact for more details

Inn from the cold’s mission is to provide shelter and housing to help children and their families to achieve independence. What’s great about them is that they focus on the wellness of children, youth, and families to break the cycle of homelessness.

Even though they only have three programs, we can say that their impact is still huge.

The Homeless Prevention and Diversion Program helps families to either stay in their existing home or even locate available permanent housing as soon as possible. what’s great about this project is that the delivery of service is customized according to each family’s unique circumstances and needs.

Their second program is the Emergency Shelter Program wherein they would provide emergency shelter to families when they’re unable to stay in their existing homes and there’s no suitable housing available in the community. In addition to this, the program also covers other basic needs for families, such as food, clothing, footwear, toiletries, baby items, and special supplies for children and youth.

Lastly, their Housing Program which includes case management, housing, financial help with damage deposits and rent if needed, and coordinated support.

Highlights

• Value the rich diversity of people and the right of all to participate fully, without fear or discrimination
• Demonstrate kindness, caring, and a genuine motivation to help
• They do what they say and conduct themselves with integrity and openness

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of their previous volunteers:

“Their staff and service are top notch and what they do for those in need is amazing. Keep up the great work. ?“

Here’s another one:

“They do wonderful things for homeless families.“

12. Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta

BEST FOR	Building homes
PRODUCTS	Building Homes
WEBSITE	https://www.habitatsouthernab.ca/
ADDRESS	210-805 Manning Rd NE Calgary, AB T2E 7M8
CONTACT DETAILS	Head Office Phone: (403) 253-9331 Fax: (403) 253-9335 Regional Volunteer Committees Brooks | (403) 253-9331 x 275 Foothills | (403) 253-9331 x 272 Medicine Hat | (403) 253-9331 x 278 Mountain View | (403) 253-9331 x 276 Pincher Creek | (403) 253-9331 x 273
OPERATING HOURS	Contact for more details

Habitat For Humanity is one of the known non-profit organizations that provide volunteer opportunities all over the world, and we’re happy to find a chapter in Southern Alberta.

This organization brings the community together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable home ownership.

We like that they offer volunteer opportunities in different areas like Calgary, Brooks, Foothills, Medicine Hat and Mountain View, and you can choose from any of these.

We also like how they have different positions to volunteer for. You have the option to become a Construction Volunteer, Crew Leader Volunteer, ReStore Volunteer, or work at their office.

Highlights

• Brings the community together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable home ownership
• Can volunteer in different areas
• Different positions to volunteer for

13. Green Calgary Association

BEST FOR	Green Solutions for Communities
PRODUCTS	ecoStore Green Homes & Communities Green Workplace Generation Green
WEBSITE	https://www.greencalgary.org/
ADDRESS	308, 301 – 14th Street NW Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 2A1
CONTACT DETAILS	Phone: +1 403-230-1443   E-mail: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS

Green Calgary Association is an organization that focuses on reducing carbon footprint through their different programs as well as reaching out to more communities and providing greener solutions that are better for the environment.

We like that their programs provide concrete and sustainable solutions, practices and skills to the community in order for them to spearhead a cleaner, greener, and better community lifestyle.

Furthermore, their website is also jam-packed with relevant information such as a directory of haulers and recyclers in the city which individuals can use as a reference.

Though note that their programs are usually geared toward the youth and children, all of their approaches are focused on spearheading environmental-friendly practices in homes and communities.

Overall, with their concrete and sustainable approach to energy use and planting practices, we highly recommend them to individuals who would like to learn and take part in initiating green changes to their communities and lifestyles.

Highlights

• Workshops are open to the youth
• Sustainable community approaches
• Resources are reliable

Customer Reviews

Here are some reviews:

“A welcoming space and super friendly staff willing to help out and make our workshop amazing.”

“Super friendly and offered me great service when I picked up two new rain barrels. Thanks Green Calgary!”

Volunteer work benefits a lot of people, from staff to constituents. So, to best volunteer in Calgary, join any of these organizations and serve your fellow Calgarians.

If you don’t have much time for volunteer work but are still willing to help those in need, you can contact the best Calgary charities for donation opportunities.