Calgary Food BankWith Christmas around the corner, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of decorating, shopping, baking and all those festive tasks. However, Christmas is a stressful time for many people, especially the less fortunate in Calgary who perhaps don’t have the means to provide an extravagant day for their loved ones.

The Calgary Food Bank has been providing for those in need since 1982 and has grown into a million-dollar charitable organization with 9000 volunteers contributing to the cause. Every day, over 160 Calgarians volunteer their time to help those in need. This support has an enormous impact on the Calgary families and agencies to whom they provide emergency food resources.

Today, December 5th is International Volunteer Day so we wanted to share how you can give the gift of time this holiday season. There are 45 different volunteer roles and several areas of work to consider when you volunteer with the Calgary Food Bank: 

Warehouse opportunities include sorting food, building and distributing hampers as well general warehouse duties. It often requires the ability to lift up to 40 pounds and to stand for 3.5 hours so both physical strength and endurance are important to consider when applying. 

 All administrative roles require training and computer knowledge. These volunteer opportunities include speaking to clients on the phone, greeting clients, data entry and counting money.

Special events happen all year at various locations in Calgary. Volunteers collect food and fund donations and they will write receipts if necessary. To write receipts, volunteers must be 18 years old. Youth must be 8 years old to volunteer and accompanied by an adult. 

Friends, church groups, sports clubs, youth groups, corporate teams, retirement teams – all are welcome. Groups can volunteer mornings and afternoons Monday to Friday and evenings Monday to Thursday. 

If one, two or three of these volunteer opportunities sound interesting to you, follow the steps below to join in supporting the Calgary Food Bank this holiday season. There are opportunities to commit to a weekly schedule or to volunteer on an occasional basis - whatever your schedule allows. Shifts are generally 2.5 to 3.5 hours long so keep this in mind when you’re scheduling your week.

Volunteering at the Calgary Food Bank:

  1. Review the volunteer opportunities available, from warehousoe, to administration to special event positions. There is something here for everyone.
  2. After you have reviewed the opportunities, please submit your online volunteer application form. Apply to be a volunteer here.
  3. Once your application has been processed, volunteer resources will email you details about attending a mandatory orientation session. 

It really is that simple. Give the gift of time this holiday season by helping those in need. For more information on volunteering, please contact the Calgary Food Bank:  

Address: 5000 11 St SE
               Calgary, AB T2H 2Y5

Tel. 403-253-2059 Ext. 2

E. volunteer@CalgaryFoodBank.com

Posted by Kirby Cox on
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