The Gift of Time

Volunteer

For more information, call 403-253-2059 Ext.2 or email Volunteer Resources.

Volunteering during COVID-19

Volunteer with us

We’re thrilled you’re considering volunteering with us!

Our volunteer program looks a bit different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have a variety of roles and shifts available, but volunteers are limited to two shifts per week in the same area and are required to commit to the same shift(s) on an ongoing basis.

We’ve changed our processes to keep our volunteers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, including asking those at higher risk to stay home. Whether you’re a new or existing volunteer, please complete AHS’s COVID-19 personal risk evaluator before applying to volunteer or setting up a new shift. If your risk score is anything other than Low, please refrain from volunteering with us at this time.

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; once it’s complete, you will be able to email our Volunteer Resources team to set up your shifts.

Existing volunteers: Please email us to set up a new shift; we’re not using Better Impact for shift signup at this time.

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

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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.

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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.

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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. **Please note: call centre shifts are 30 minutes longer than other shifts.

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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.

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Distribution

You will be part of a fun and active team distributing hamper bags to our clients’ vehicles. A rewarding role where you see the immediate impact you have on your fellow Calgarian’s who need our help. Please dress in layers!

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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.

Keeping the food bank community safe

Health and Safety

Please help us maintain a healthy and safe environment by taking the following precautionary measures while volunteering:

Adhere to the recommended social distancing of 6 feet between people.
Enter the building through the main client lobby sliding doors. At the end of your shift, leave the building through the Administration doors (follow the exit signs).

Please do not log in for your shift on the computer in the volunteer break room. Hours will be tracked by Volunteer Resources staff – no need to log in or out.
We are not running our volunteer shuttle van. Please park on 12A Street SE.
Please arrive as close to your shift start time as possible and leave the building promptly after your shift in order to minimize the number of people in the building at once.

the gift of time

Ready to volunteer?

For more information, call 403-253-2059 Ext.2 or email Volunteer Resources.

Sign up to volunteer

What you need to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complete my court-ordered volunteer hours at the Food Bank?

We are not currently accepting volunteers for court-ordered service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch this page for any changes.

How do I become a volunteer?

Please fill out our volunteer form on Better Impact to start the application process. Once your application is complete, you will get a link to our health and safety training and then be able to sign up for shifts by emailing our Volunteer Resource team.

What is the time commitment?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are asking all volunteers to commit to the same shift each week. Contact us for more details.

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.

How can I book a group?

At this time, we can only accommodate small groups to a maximum of three people. Groups must follow the same protocol as individual volunteers and commit to the same shift each week. If you want to register a volunteer group, please send us an email!

Can I just drop in to volunteer if I have free time?

We love the enthusiasm of all our volunteers, but all shifts must be booked in advance. Please contact us to set up a shift.

E: volunteer@calgaryfoodbank.com
P: 403-253-2059, Ext. 2

I'm a volunteer, where do I go to book a shift?

We are not using Better Impact for shift signup at this time. Please contact us to set up a shift.