National Volunteer Week

Every year, National Volunteer Week celebrates the incredible contributions of volunteers who strengthen and support our communities.

Join us for a week of free events designed to recognize volunteers, share stories, and connect with others who are passionate about making a difference. Whether you are a long-time volunteer or just getting started, these sessions offer opportunities to learn, celebrate, and be inspired.

Explore the events below and register for the sessions that interest you. We look forward to celebrating with you.

What is National Volunteer Week?

National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of volunteers across our communities. Volunteers play an important role in supporting organizations, strengthening connections, and helping create positive change.

Through Ignite Volunteerism, we are bringing volunteers together for a week of free events that celebrate the impact of volunteering while offering opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired.

How You Can Participate

There are many ways to take part in National Volunteer Week:

  • Attend virtual or in-person free events
  • Connect with other volunteers in the community
  • Learn new skills and hear from experienced volunteers and leaders
  • Celebrate the impact volunteers make every day

Browse the events below and register for the sessions that interest you.

Event Schedule

Throughout the week, we will be hosting a variety of free events for volunteers. Each session offers a chance to learn, connect, and celebrate the role volunteers play in strengthening our communities.

View the event details below and follow the registration links to secure your spot.

Sunday, April 19 – Volunteer Community Pancake Breakfast

  • Hosted by: Calgary Stampede
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Location: Enbridge Plaza and Sam Centre, Stampede Park (632 13 Ave SE, Calgary, AB)
  • Description: The Calgary Stampede invites you to kick off National Volunteer Week with a free pancake breakfast for our community volunteers! Enjoy pancakes, connect with fellow volunteers and celebrate the start of a week full of events.
  • Learn more and register here
    • This complimentary event is ticketed in order to keep attendance to approximately 1,000. Please note that attendees will receive a ticket for the breakfast and a discount for a future visit to the Sam Centre at Stampede Park. 

Monday, April 20 – Volunteer Social Event

  • Hosted by: Onward Homes and Volunteer Calgary
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Location: Bishop's Manor (200 Nina Gardens NE, Calgary, AB)
  • Description: Start your week with a social gathering for volunteers and volunteer engagement professionals. Meet new people, share your experiences, and enjoy coffee, tea, other beverages, and light snacks in a relaxed setting. Plus, the first 100 guests will receive ice cream generously donated by Village Ice Cream.
  • Learn more and register here

Tuesday, April 21 – Wellness Activities

  • Hosted by: YWCA Calgary
  • Location: YWCA (1715 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB)
  • Description: Take a break and recharge with wellness activities designed for volunteers. Choose from a variety of sessions focused on relaxation and wellbeing:

Wednesday, April 22 – Art for Change: Mixed Media Eco Art Workshop & Ignite Volunteerism Speaker Series

  • Art for Change: Mixed Media Eco Art Workshop:

    • Hosted by: Women's Centre of Calgary
    • Time: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
    • Location: Women’s Centre of Calgary (39 4 St NE, Calgary, AB)
    • Description: Get creative during Volunteer Appreciation Week with this hands-on eco art workshop. Using driftwood and recycled materials from Glenmore Reservoir, participants will create a unique mixed media piece while connecting with fellow volunteers. No art experience needed—materials provided. Please note: this session is open to women and women-identified volunteers only.
    • Learn more and register here

  • Ignite Volunteerism Speaker Series with Volunteer Speakers and a Youth Volunteer Panel:

    • Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
    • Location: Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (850 4 St. SE, Calgary, AB)
    • Description: Be inspired by youth volunteers and community leaders as they share their stories, insights, and ideas. Enjoy snacks and refreshments, and connect with others who are passionate about community.
    • Interested in joining the panel?: We’re seeking experienced youth volunteers to participate—contact Tristan Abbott at tristan@volunteerconnector.org
      to learn more.
    • Learn more and register here

Thursday, April 23 – Calgary Volunteer Fair & Wellness Workshop

  • Calgary Volunteer Fair:

    • Time: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Location: University of Calgary Downtown Campus (906 - 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB)
    • Description: Explore volunteer opportunities with local organizations! Meet nonprofit teams, learn how to get involved, and discover ways to make a difference in your community.
    • Visit volunteerfair.ca to learn more

  • Fuelling the Calm Wellness Workshop:

    • Hosted by: Trellis Society
    • Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    • Location: Trellis Society (731 13 Ave NE, Calgary, AB)
    • Description: A free National Volunteer Week workshop for Calgary volunteers to reduce stress, boost energy, and learn practical tools for supporting their nervous system and overall well-being.
    • Learn more and register here

Friday, April 24 – Yoga & Social Night

  • Yoga Session:

    • Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM  
    • Description: Start your Friday with a guided yoga session led by Lauren Hutchison from YWCA Calgary. Volunteers can choose to attend in-person at either host site or online via Zoom. This session is designed to help you relax, recharge, and reset. No yoga experience needed—materials provided for in-person participants.
    • Learn more and register:

  • Social Night:

    • Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    • Location: GRETA Bar (213 – 10 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB)
    • Description: Wind down the week with a casual social gathering. Meet and connect with other volunteers in a fun-filled environment with food, drinks, and over 50 arcade-style games.
    • Learn more and register here

Saturday, April 25 – Youth Volunteer Fair

  • Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Location: Calgary Municipal Building (800 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, AB)
  • Description: The Mayor’s Youth Council, a program of Youth Central, is hosting a Youth Volunteer Fair. This youth-led event for ages 12–18 connects young people with organizations offering volunteer opportunities for youth.
  • Learn more and register here

Why Volunteering Matters

Volunteers help build stronger, more connected communities. Their time, skills, and dedication support organizations and create meaningful change for people across the region.

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize these contributions and celebrate the many ways volunteers make a difference.

Celebrate With Us

Join us in celebrating the volunteers who make our communities stronger every day.

Explore the free events above and register for the sessions that interest you. We look forward to celebrating National Volunteer Week with you.

Collaborators

We’re grateful to work with these organizations to make National Volunteer Week possible: