Give back to the community through the best volunteering opportunities in Edmonton
If David Bowie’s “Starman” meme taught us anything, it’s that you don’t need superpowers to be a hero.
Edmontonians know that better than anyone, with volunteers across the city always ready to do acts of kindness. And if you want to be part of the action, this is where you start.
We rounded up the best volunteering opportunities below—from clean-ups to food drives—so you can start making a difference without spending hours Googling or donning capes and spandex suits.
Volunteer Programs
Capital City Clean Up
– From yeg_parks
Contact Details:
- Email – [email protected]
- Phone – 331
Capital City Clean Up is a program dedicated to reducing litter in Edmonton while also tackling unwanted graffiti that doesn’t paint the city in a great picture.
Volunteers typically collaborate with communities, contractors, and businesses to make a visible impact. In terms of schedule, the program runs seasonally, hosting events throughout spring, summer, and fall.
| Tip: Save cash by bringing a reusable water bottle. This one involves lots of walking. |
Partners in Parks
– From yeg_parks
Contact Details:
- Email – [email protected]
- Phone – 331
Edmonton’s pristine green spaces, especially the shrub beds, are what you’ll be helping to preserve by joining Partners in Parks. Most of the work involves cleaning parks and open areas, with litter removal and shrub bed weeding being the primary ones.
This program is also one of the fastest-growing initiatives around, allowing you to build connections while nourishing your horticulture skills. In fact, approximately 600 shrub beds were adopted, and an impressive 300 volunteers participated in the cause this 2024.
| Tip: Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and gloves are a must. |
Root for Trees
– From yeg_parks
Contact Details:
- Email – [email protected]
- Phone – 331
- Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
For anyone looking to see Edmonton’s urban forestry flourish, Root for Trees is the program to join. Its primary goal is to boost tree and shrub planting throughout the city, often with support from businesses, individuals, and families.
Rain or shine, their events go on, so be sure to prepare your wardrobe (and vitamin C) following the climate. Most importantly, remember that sturdy closed-toe boots are mandatory; anyone without them won’t be able to help.
| Tip: If you can’t volunteer, try joining Root for Trees’ other events. |
Master Composter Recycler Program
– From yeg_parks
Contact Details:
- Email – [email protected]
- Phone – 780-220-9336
Joining the Master Composter Recycler Program means you’ll be reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting. Keep in mind, however, that this one demands dedication since you’ll be required to master Edmonton’s waste system before doing any fieldwork.
The training spans 9 sessions over 35 hours, incorporating hands-on experiences, virtual lessons, facility tours, and classroom instruction. It kicks off in March and runs through May, plus there’s a follow-up class in September to keep your skills fresh.
| Tip: Applications have closed as of September 2024. Join the 2025 waitlist to register in advance. |
Places with Volunteer Programs
City of Edmonton Archives
– From yeg_archives
Address: 10440 108 Ave NW
Contact Details: +1 780-496-8711
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Tue – 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
- Wed to Fri – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Serving at the City of Edmonton Archives (Prince of Wales Armories) means you’ll be helping the city’s hub for records and history.
You’ll need a healthy dose of patience and organizational skills to thrive here, as your tasks will revolve around completing various administrative duties. Expect to manage inventories, both virtual (think spreadsheets) and physical (shelves and storage vaults).
| Tip: Learn about the Archives’ upcoming events to understand the other tasks you’ll be involved in here. |
Edmonton Valley Zoo
Address: 13315 Buena Vista Road &, 87 Ave NW
Contact Details: +1 780-442-5311
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 10 am to 4 pm
- Sat to Sun – 9 am to 5 pm
Giving back while enjoying the company of animals sounds like a kindhearted animal buff’s wildest dream, but it’s actually just a Thursday at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. From everyday positions to being a special event volunteer, you can help here in several ways.
Assisting with special events like Halloween Boo at the Zoo and Canada Day celebrations is what most volunteers do. On the flip side, pros with a knack for fundraising typically get involved in capital campaigns.
| Tip: To apply, you must send an email to [email protected]. |
John Janzen Nature Center
– From yegnature
Address: 7000 143 St NW
Contact Details: +1 780-442-5311
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 4 pm
Those passionate about environmental education should set their sights on the John Janzen Nature Center. The attraction has been around since 1976, enlightening the community about nature through exhibits.
That said, volunteers will guide guests through interactive exhibits, including touch tables and living displays. Having a warm and cheerful demeanor is essential.
| Tip: Check the Center’s incoming events by visiting their Instagram. |
Muttart Conservatory
– From muttartconservatory
Address: 9626 96a St NW
Contact Details: +1 780-496-8755
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 10 am to 5 pm
- Wed to Thu – 10 am to 9 pm
- Fri to Sun – 10 am to 5 pm
The flora-filled Muttart Conservatory is a primo destination for volunteers who are passionate about plant life and biomes.
As a volunteer, your main role is to engage with visitors, offering warm and personal interactions, while the paid staff handles the more technical aspects.
| Tip: If you’re under 16, you need to provide two written references from someone who isn’t related to you. |
John Walter Museum
– From johnwaltermuseum
Address: 9180 Walterdale Hill NW
Contact Details: +1 780-442-5311
The John Walter Museum’s late 1800s houses and interactive experiences attract crowds, which means volunteers are in for a busy time here.
If that’s fine with you, prepare to socialize and assist in running events. You better exercise too, as you’ll carry a lot of stuff and help in setting up event features like the cozy candlelight ambiance for the Candlelight Christmas program.
| Tip: Learn about their special volunteer programs here. |
Telus World of Science
– From twosedm
Address: 11211 142 St NW
Contact Details: +1 780-451-3344
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 5 pm
TELUS World of Science is a great spot for volunteers passionate about science and technology. There are numerous roles to choose from, with the most common being a hospitality host, where you’ll greet and assist visitors during events.
If you’re looking for something more interactive, becoming a birthday party assistant or gallery interpreter is the right move. Both responsibilities require running experiments and guiding activities for children, making it ideal for budding scientists and extroverts.
| Tip: Familiarize yourself with their available volunteer positions. |
Fort Edmonton Park
– From fortedmontonpark
Address: 7000 143 St NW
Contact Details: +1 780-496-7381
Operating Hours: Sat to Sun – 10 am to 5 pm
Fort Edmonton Park is a living history museum where volunteers truly bring the past to life. You can step into character—literally—by becoming an actor for their interactive exhibits and historical reenactments.
In addition to acting, volunteers can help cultivate heritage gardens or assist in costume creation for the park’s many theatrical productions. Special events, like their famous Halloween celebrations, also need volunteers for crowd control, hosting, and more.
| Tip: Make sure to file an application to avoid disappointment. |
Volunteer Organizations
Kirk Center
– From kirkcentreedm
Address: 13535 122 Ave NW
Contact Details: +1 780-438-6619
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 8 am to 4 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 12 pm
Kirk Center offers loads of roles that go beyond providing affordable rental spaces. For example, you can volunteer as a librarian, pantry manager, or even a seasonal decorator.
If you’re more into nature or animals, you’re in luck. Gardening, landscaping and even cat caretaking roles are available too. But fair warning: these spots are popular, so they tend to fill up fast.
| Tip: Register ASAP. The slots run out quickly. |
Edmonton Down Syndrome Society
– From edssociety
Address: 9139 39 Ave NW
Contact Details: +1 780-944-4224
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 5 pm
Volunteering with the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society (EDSS) is a great way to support individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Most roles involve organizing social and recreational activities, often as hosts or managers. You can also lend a hand at fundraising events like the upcoming Starlight Casino on December 20 and 21, 2024, working as a cashier, chip runner, or banker.
| Tip: You must send an email to [email protected] to apply for a volunteer position. |
Habitat for Humanity
– From habitatedm
Address: 8210 Yellowhead Trail NW
Contact Details: +1 780-479-3566
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 4:30 pm
Habitat for Humanity is on a mission to provide affordable housing and hope, and your support makes that mission a reality. Depending on your skills and interests, you can help by unpacking donations, cleaning, or beautifying homes.
In addition, you can join their office program to assist with paperwork and computer tasks. But if you prefer a more physically demanding role, there are opportunities available as event volunteers, where heavy lifting and long-distance walking are non-negotiable.
| Tip: Boost your strength. One important requirement is the ability to lift at least 6 kilograms or 15 pounds. |
Edmonton’s Food Bank
– From yegfoodbank
Address: 11508 120 St NW
Contact Details: +1 780-425-2133
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 8:30 am to 4 pm
Edmonton’s Food Bank might be one of the busiest organizations in the city, but the rewards are immeasurable. For starters, you’ll collect and distribute free food to those in need.
As for the positions, you can take on skill-based roles such as drivers, sorters, or food hamper builders. There are also opportunities to volunteer for special events, where your responsibilities will include everything from selling tickets to gathering food donations.
| Tip: You can apply as a group! |
Edmonton Meals on Wheels
– From yegmealsonwheels
Address: 11111 103 Ave NW
Contact Details: +1 780-429-2020
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 8 am to 3 pm
The non-profit Edmonton Meals on Wheels is dedicated to preparing and distributing nourishing meals, which is why most positions focus on driving and kitchen work.
Generally, drivers pick up meals from the central office or a regional depot for delivery, while kitchen volunteers assist in preparing raw vegetables and packaging various food items. Culinary experience isn’t required.
| Tip: Aspiring volunteer drivers should plan for a minimum of 2 shifts each month, with a commitment lasting between 3 to 6 months. |