We Need You!
Volunteer With Us
We’re thrilled you’re considering volunteering with us! We have a variety of roles and shifts available, and have opened up some new roles and shift times.
New volunteers: Please fill out our volunteer application to start the process. Once your application is complete you will get a link to complete our health and safety training and once that is complete you will be able to sign up for your volunteer orientation/tour on your My Impact page.
Existing volunteers: Please book your shifts through Better Impact. Shifts can be found in the opportunities tab.
Group volunteers: Friends, family, church groups, sports clubs, youth groups, corporate teams, retirement teams – all are welcome! Sign up your group
Volunteer Opportunities
Available shift times* for all the volunteer opportunities are:
8 – 10:30 am, 11 am – 1:30 pm, 2 – 4:30 pm, 5 – 7:30 pm
*Distribution shifts start 15 minutes early
Warehouse
Working with other amazing volunteers you will be sorting non-perishables, sorting/bagging perishables or building emergency hampers. **Please note: the exact duty will be assigned when you arrive for your shift but we will do our best to accommodate preference.
Crate Washer
If you like to be busy, work independently or in a small team of two and have a “get the job done” attitude, crate washing is the role for you. This is an important sanitation role that works with an industrial dishwasher, ensuring the safety of all of our staff, volunteers and clients.
Call Centre
If patience, compassion and a strong desire to help describe you, the call centre needs your help. You are the critical first-point-of contact, answering client calls and scheduling hamper pickup. Training is provided, you need to be 18 years or older to volunteer for this position. **Please note: call centre shifts are 30 minutes longer than other shifts.
Baby Room
Many of our clients have little ones who need diapers, baby food, pablum or wipes. In this role you will be building these special hampers that are given with the emergency food hamper.
Distribution
Saturday distribution starts November 27 until May 28, there are two shifts: 9 – 11:30 am and 12:30 – 3 pm.
ID Scanner
Are you friendly, outgoing and welcoming? This is the role for you! You are the first point of contact for our clients when they come to pick up their hamper. Working on a team of two, you will meet clients outside at their vehicles to verify their ID before they pick up their hamper. We provide appropriate PPE as is required in this role. **Please note: you need to be 18 years or older to volunteer for this position.
Hamper Delivery Driver
Support eligible client households facing barriers to hamper collection by delivering food hampers directly to their homes. Following a simple online booking process, delivery volunteers can self-schedule to pick-up and deliver hampers at their convenience. If you are interested in becoming a hamper delivery volunteer, please contact Rachel Cowitz for more information.
Numbers reflect our fiscal year, September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.
Volunteer Hours
Volunteer Groups a year
Calls in a year
different volunteer roles
“The staff and the volunteers at the Calgary Food Bank are like family to me.”
Terry Deets, Calgary Food Bank Volunteer
Meet some of our long service volunteers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete my court-ordered volunteer hours at the Food Bank?
There are specific times available for court-ordered volunteer shifts. Please call Volunteer Resources at 403-253-2059 Ext 2 to book your appointment.
Appointment times are:
Tuesday 11:30 am –2:30 pm
Thursday 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
A volunteer orientation is not required to be booked when arranging mandated hours, but an appointment is to be made with our Volunteer Resource Associate.
How do I become a volunteer?
Please fill out our volunteer application to start the process. Once your application is complete you will get a link to complete our health and safety training and once that is complete you will be able to sign up for your volunteer orientation/tour on your MyImpact page.
E: volunteer@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059, Ext. 2
What is the time commitment?
Volunteers are able to sign up for regular weekly shifts or for occasional shifts when their schedule permits.
E: volunteer@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059, Ext. 2
Can I just drop in to volunteer if I have free time?
All shifts must be booked in advance on either your MyImpact page or through Volunteer Resources.
E: volunteer@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059, Ext. 2
I'm a volunteer, where do I go to book a shift?
You can sign up for shifts on your MyImpact page or by contacting Volunteer Resources
E: volunteer@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059, Ext. 2
How old do you have to be to volunteer?
To volunteer in our warehouse youth must be at least 12 years old. Youth 12 – 15 years old are required to volunteer with an adult, youth 16 years old and up can volunteer on their own. For special event volunteering, youth as young as 8 years old can join an adult.