

Volunteer Programs
Volunteer Services provides a variety of programs to help students as they face real world challenges. Whether you are looking for a volunteer opportunity around campus, around the city or around the world, we can assist you to connect to groups and organizations who could use your help. Come chat with us at Volunteer Services, Room 225 in MacEwan Student Centre, about your interests and check out our resource binders periodically to find current long and short-term volunteer positions. We would love to help you in your search for an exciting opportunity.
Non-profit organizations seeking volunteer support are welcome to advertise with us for free. Submit your current volunteer opportunities to volunteer@su.ucalgary.ca and we will advertise them in our office and Facebook page.
The SU’s ten volunteer programs are designed to be flexible and work with your schedule. Some run the entire school year, while others are for specific months. Once you’ve made your choice we ask you to complete and submit an application.
Our current on and off campus volunteer programs and opportunities are described below.
Volunteer Application
Volunteer On Campus
You can gain professional office experience by being part of our Administrative Volunteer Program. You’ll get practical, on-the-job training in a variety of areas, including file management, customer service and event planning by assisting in the Volunteer Services Office.
Administrative Volunteer Program volunteers commit to two hours per week during the academic year (September to April).
Recruitment Time: August to September (and sometimes December and/or January)
The SU Campus Food Bank provides emergency food relief to members of our campus community. Since its inception in 1993, the Food Bank has become a major resource for those in need and we are always looking for volunteers to help us meet the demand.
By volunteering with the Food Bank you’ll gain practical, operational experience by organizing donations, stocking shelves, packing hampers, interviewing clients and organizing food drive events, all without ever leaving campus!
Campus Food Bank volunteers must commit two hours per week throughout the academic year (September to April).
Recruitment Time: August to September (sometimes December and January)
Volunteers must commit to a two hour shift either Tuesday or Wednesday from 8:00 am – 10:00 pm and are responsible for set up and clean-up of the area, serving and distributing food items, preparing food, restocking food items and making sure the area remains clean during the event.
Recruitment Time: August and September (sometimes December and/or January)
Information Centre volunteers must commit two hours per week (between 8:30am and 4:30pm) throughout the academic year (September to April).
Recruitment Time: August to September (and sometimes December and/or January)
Q Centre volunteers must commit two hours per week throughout the academic year (September to April).
Recruitment Time: August to September (and sometimes December and/or January)
Students for Literacy volunteers meet with their learners at mutually convenient times. Volunteers must commit one to three hours per week (including prep-time) throughout the academic year (September to April). Students from all faculties, not just from English and Education, are welcome to apply!
Volunteers are also needed to staff the ESL Station location. This drop-in program is conducted in a group setting and focuses on practical English skills like daily conversation.
Recruitment Time: August and September (and sometimes December and/or January
Volunteer Tax Program volunteers must commit to a minimum of four(4) hours per week during the eight week clinic (February to April).
Recruitment Time: August to January
Volunteer Off Campus
Interested in volunteering for non-profits? Want to learn more about social justice? Trying to find the right volunteer “fit”? Why not join Into the Streets?
Into the Streets connects undergraduate students with group volunteer activities at a variety of local not-for-profit and cultural organizations, as well as at Students’ Union events. Whether you want to volunteer at a homeless shelter or an arts association, chances are we have an opportunity that will interest you!
Into the Streets volunteers must attend three events per semester. Most opportunities are scheduled in the evenings or on weekends. The volunteer activities are mostly are off-campus, but are accessible through carpooling and public transit.
Recruitment Time: August to September (and sometimes December and/or January)
Spring break – while some students view this time as nothing more than an opportunity to sleep in and burn the midnight oil (sometimes needed after a heavy course load) – there is an alternative!
If the chance to make a difference in your community appeals to you, spend this year’s reading week volunteering. Through Alternative Spring Break the SU links volunteers with a variety of different community groups from homeless shelters to arts organizations in the Calgary area. We make all the arrangements including transportation. All you need to do is show up and be willing to get your hands dirty.
Alternative Spring Break runs for three days during February’s reading week at locations throughout the city.
Recruitment Time: December to January
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