Volunteer
Volunteer With Us
We’re thrilled you’re considering volunteering with us! We have a variety of volunteer roles and shifts available. Volunteers are at the core of ensuring that those struggling are receiving the food support they need. Sign up today with the below information and help feed Calgary!
What Volunteer Account Do I Sign Up For?
If you have volunteered in a group, then you are set up under a “group account”. If you would like to volunteer outside of that group commitment as an individual, we ask that you create a new individual volunteer account with a new User ID and password. Conversely, if you have an individual account and want to volunteer as/with a group, please create a group account with a new user ID and password for the group.
Questions? Contact our team by email or phone 403-253-2059 Ext.2.
INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS
Please sign up to start the process. Once your application is submitted you will get a link to our health and safety training. After that is completed you will be able to sign up for your mandatory volunteer orientation/tour on your My Impact page.
GROUP VOLUNTEERS
Friends, family, church groups, sports clubs, youth groups, corporate teams, retirement teams – all are welcome! Sign up your group, then email us to discuss group volunteer opportunities. If you are signing up to volunteer as a group, please note that group accounts do not track individual hours. If any group members need proof of volunteer hours, we recommend they create an individual volunteer account.
YOUTH VOLUNTEERS
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. Youth volunteers need to complete the application process and attend orientation before their first volunteer shift.
we need your help!
We are in need of ID Checkers!
Do you like to be outdoors? ID Checking volunteers play a crucial role in welcoming clients as they arrive to collect their hampers. They also present clients with options for customized hampers. Shift times are
Monday – Thursday: 7:45am – 10:55am, 10:45am –1:55pm, 1:45pm – 4:55pm, 4:45pm – 7:40pm
Fridays: 7:45am-10:55am, 10:45am-1:55pm, 1:45pm-4:55pm
Saturdays: 11:45am – 2:40pm
If you are interested, please email Shirley at srosen@calgaryfoodbank.com
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer shifts are 2 to 3.5 hours long.
Shift times vary with volunteer roles, and volunteers operate within the following time frame:
Monday – Thursday 7:45 am – 7:45 pm
Fridays 7:45 am – 4:45 pm
Saturday 8:45 am – 2:40 pm
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
You will be part of a fun and active team building hampers in carts or distributing hampers 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 in case you are assigned to take carts out to vehicles!
ID Verification
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. **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.
sHUTTLE vAN Driver
As a shuttle van driver, you will be driving the volunteers to and from the volunteers parking lot. A driver’s abstract and Vulnerable Sector Check are required, and the costs will be covered by the Calgary Food Bank. You also need at least 6 years of insurance history in your name.
Numbers reflect our fiscal year, September 1st, 2023 to August 30th, 2024
Number of satellite volunteers
Volunteer Groups a year
Number of satellite hampers distributed
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 Calgary Food Bank?
There are specific times available for court-ordered volunteer shifts. Please contact Shirley Rosen by email or call 403-253-2059 Ext 221 to book your appointment.
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.
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
Other Ways You Can Help
Donate Funds
Donate funds online, by mail or in person.
donate food
Donate non-perishable food items.
Host an event
Engage your community with a food or fundraiser.
Social Media
Follow us on socials! @calgaryfoodbank