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Volunteer Opportunities for Students and Newcomers in Calgary

This page is for newcomers, international students, and immigrants looking to gain Canadian experience, build confidence, and give back to the community.

I’m sharing organizations that are beginner-friendly and open to people from diverse backgrounds. I update this list regularly as I find more opportunities.

Alberta Health Services – Volunteer Programs

Volunteer in hospitals and health centres in Calgary as patient assistants, guides, and support roles.

Health & Support

Calgary Stampede (Volunteer Program)

Large-scale volunteer roles at one of Canada’s biggest community festivals

Community

Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF)

Volunteers help run one of Calgary’s largest film festivals each year

Arts & Culture

Women’s Centre of Calgary

Volunteers support programs for women including workshops and community support

Community

Calgary Family Peer Connections

Support peer-led family services and programs.

Family Support

Black Pride YYC

Volunteer with Calgary’s Black LGBTQ+ pride events and initiatives (via Volunteer Calgary listing)

Community

AfroCare Support Network

Supports community services and events — volunteer roles available through Volunteer Calgary directory.

Community

Unison for Generations 50+

Volunteer roles supporting adults aged 50 and older.

Seniors Support

Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens Association

Opportunities to support and connect with Chinese-speaking older adult

Seniors Support

Rise Calgary

Volunteers help in parks, recreation programs, events, police support, animal services, and more

Community

ElderDog Canada / Calgary Pawd

Support dogs and pet visits for seniors

Animals

Highbanks Society

Prepare meals and support local community dinners

Community/Food Support

12CSI (Community Support Initiative)

Assist seniors, schools, food banks, and community events

Community

Calgary Meals on Wheels

Deliver meals and support seniors across Calgary

Community

Salvation Army Community Services Calgary

Help with meals, youth support, shelters, and events

Community

The Alex Community Health Centre

Support healthcare programs for low-income residents

Community

Calgary Reads

Support literacy programs and tutoring youth

Youth/Education

Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA)

Volunteer roles in supporting newcomer women with programs and events.

Settlement Services

Calgary Folk Music Fest

Volunteers assist with event operations, guest services, and festival support

Arts/Community

YW Calgary

Volunteer with programs focused on supporting women’s growth and leadership.

Community

Sleep in Heavenly Peace Calgary NW

Help build beds and support sleep-related initiatives for children

Family/Community

Calgary John Howard Society

Volunteers support community justice and rehabilitation programs

Social Services

Alexandra Centre Society

Community support-oriented volunteering in Calgary

Community

Jewish Family Services Calgary

Volunteer with Safta’s Kitchen and other community programs

Community

Deaf and Hear Alberta

Volunteers assist with programs and supports for Deaf and hard-of-hearing adults

Accessibility & Inclusion

Carya

Support individuals and families through comprehensive programs and services

Family/Community

The Brenda Strafford Foundation

Resident and Client Care

Well-being

Feline Rescue Foundation of Alberta

Help care for cats in rescue and adoption programs

Animals

Calgary Urban Species Response Team (CUSRT)

Help with urban wildlife research, education, and conservation

Environment

Between Friends

Support inclusive programs and camps for people with disabilities

Youth/Community

Green Calgary

Environmental volunteering and sustainability programs

Environment

Action Dignity

Volunteer for community programs, events, and advocacy

Community

The City of Calgary

Help with local events and community initiatives

Community

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society

Assist newcomers with community programs

Settlement Services

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