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Volunteer
Please check directly with individual organizations to inquire as to the status of volunteer opportunities available.
Volunteer in Banff
Volunteering is a rewarding way to enhance your life, a great way to give back to the community. It’s also an opportunity to make new friends in Banff. Several volunteer opportunities are listed below, or check the Community Resource Directory in the Volunteer Opportunities category for more.
Volunteer Opportunities
Active Living
Big RED Ride
Volunteer to drive the Big RED Ride! You’ll pilot the four-person, pedal assist bike that helps seniors get outside and be active. If you’re comfortable riding a bike, enjoy working with seniors, can commit to 5 rides (rides are Tuesdays and Thursdays June 4 to September 27, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.) and can attend some mandatory training sessions in May, please consider volunteering.
Email: sue.smythe@banff.ca
Visit: banff.ca/Adults-55
Bow Valley Mountain Bike Alliance
The Bow Valley Mountain Bike Alliance is a volunteer-based group of trail enthusiasts committed to the future of mountain bike trail access in the Bow Valley and Banff National Park. We support mountain biking in a landscape struggling to balance the challenges of development, recreational needs, and a healthy wildlife habitat. Volunteers assist with trail building and maintenance.
E-mail: bvmba1993@gmail.com
Visit: https://www.bowvalleymountainbikealliance.com/
Canmore and Area Mountain Biking Association (CAMBA)
Fundraising Committee Member
The Fundraising committee supports all CAMBA activities through the raising of funds for all things trails. This includes grassroots fundraising at events and reaching out to businesses for corporate sponsorship. We also have volunteer trail building and maintenance sessions around twice a week as long as there's no snow on the ground.
E-mail: volunteer@camba.ca
Visit: https://camba.ca/events
Canmore Nordic Ski Club
A variety of volunteer roles are available when we host races at the Canmore Nordic Centre over winter. Volunteer roles are also available on the club board. Help us with the organization and running of cross-country ski and biathlon races at the Canmore Nordic Centre - no experience required for most positions! Have fun and watch the racing up close! Or helping out with the volunteer-run Canmore Nordic Ski Club board.
E-mail:info@canmorenordic.com
Visit: https://www.canmorenordic.com/
Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports Centre
RMA is an adaptive sport organization which enables adults and children with physical, intellectual, cognitive, or developmental impairments to participate in all sports and adventure activities available in the beautiful Bow Valley. From November - May, we look for volunteers to support our adaptive ski, snowboarding & sit ski programs and lessons. These roles are mainly based at Sunshine Village. Volunteer roles vary from 2 - 6 hours. RMA provides a lift ticket for the day. Volunteers will complete a training session or shadow an experienced volunteer prior to volunteering. From May - September, we look for volunteers to support our summer programs and lessons and welcome volunteers to support our adaptive guests in any of the following activities: hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and more. Volunteers will complete a training session or shadow an experienced volunteer prior to volunteering.
E-mail: volunteer@rockymoutnainadaptive.com
Visit: www.volunteer.rockymountainadaptive.com
Arts and Culture
The Banff Centre
The Banff Centre, Mountain Book and Film Festival has various volunteer opportunities including: info booth attendant, theatre host, volunteer coordinator assistant, guest registration assistant, on demand room attendant, reading room attendant, green team assistant, marketplace assistants, pre-event assistant/kit-stuffing, volunteer room attendant and set-up/tear-down assistant.
E-mail: banffmountainfestival@banffcentre.ca
Visit: Mountain Book and Film Festival
artsPlace
Volunteering at artsPlace is a fun, social way to meet your neighbors and help build the quality of art experiences offered here. Variety of opportunities are available depending on what events are happening. Responsibilities including but not limited to checking patrons’ tickets and assisting with events.
E-mail: info@artsplacecanmore.com
Visit: www.artsplacecanmore.com
Children and Youth
Girl Guides
Girl Guides in Banff offers units for Sparks, Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders (girls aged 5 - 14). We are always excited to meet new enthusiastic female volunteers to help run fun and exciting programming for the leaders of tomorrow - no experience needed, just a willingness to get involved! Help our girls become everything they want to be! Email Debbie at debbie_morgan@hotmail.com for more information.
KidSport
We are continually searching for more volunteers to assist in a number of essential roles, in a variety of fun events and activities throughout the year. Opportunities range from one-off support at our fundraising events, to strategic positions on our chapter committee. You can even volunteer to plan your own fundraiser, and really get into the spirit of KidSport! If you’re interested in being part of the enthusiastic, KidSport Bow Valley-based team that makes it So ALL Kids Can Play, please get in touch! Send an email outlining your interest.
Email: bowvalley@kidsport.ab.ca
Mountain Readers
Banff Elementary School’s Mountain Readers is looking for volunteers to spend one hour per week with students to help improve reading skills.
Email: mountainreaders@gmail.com
Community
Banff Food Bank
Banff Food Bank is registered charitable organization distributing food hampers for those in need in Banff and Lake Louise. Volunteers help with distribution and acceptance of food, Tuesdays 11:30 am- 1:30 pm. Or help with donations pick up, you must own car - different times.
Email: banff.food.bank@gmail.com
Banff Greenhouse Gardening Society
Volunteer Seed Sorter
Works with the Seed Coordinator to sort seeds into the individual packets provided to each greenhouse gardener at the beginning of the season, and at various times throughout the growing season.
Email: banffgreenhouse@gmail.com
Visit: banff.ca/Greenhouses
Facebook Page - www.facebook.com/BanffGreenhouse/
Bow Valley Food Alliance
Communications Committee Member
Members of the Bow Valley Food Alliance's Communications Committee help us to ensure our communications are harmonious and work towards achieving our mission of food sovereignty for the Bow Valley. Committee members would assist our contractors and board of directors with all areas of communication including our website, social media, press releases and newsletters.
Email: communications@bvfa.ca
Bow Valley Food Bank
Provide food assistance to people experiencing financial crisis reside East of the Banff Park boundary up to and including Kananaskis. Whether you are an individual, a school group, looking for a corporate team-building activity or a way to give back, there are many opportunities to get involved at the Bow Valley Food Bank. Let’s get connected! We are always happy to hear from you!
E-mail: bowvalleyfoodbank@telus.net
Visit: https://www.bowvalleyfoodbank.ca/volunteer
Contact: 403.678.9488
Banff Food Rescue
Banff Food Rescue: "Keeping Good Food From Becoming Food Waste" Thank you for your interest and support. We need two types of volunteers 1) Pick-up volunteers, pick up food from the stores in the morning, this means a vehicle is required. Pick-up volunteers also help to sort, organize and record the products that have been received. You may also be required to return crates to the stores and to take recycling and organics to the appropriate bins. Expect to commit to at least 2 hours to complete this volunteer job. 2) People to help direct and manage the flow of people at night. Re-stock food, general clean-up and breakdown boxes for re-cycling. Time commitment is a minimum of 2 hours for this job.
Visit: http://signup.com/go/47XmSw
Bow Valley Adult Learning Centre
We offer support to our community members in foundational reading & writing, making sense of numbers, skills for success, and English language learning (ELL) with ELL being the largest area. Volunteers are matched with clients depending on the learning goals of the individual and the strengths or interests of the volunteer. We deliver programming in small groups or on a one-on-one basis. The commitment level varies as it depends on the client's goals, but is usually around 1-2 hours a week in periods of weeks or months. The availability and times are agreed upon by all parties before starting any partnerships.
Email: programs@bowvalleylearning.ca
Visit: https://bowvalleylearning.ca/
Bow Valley Victim Services Association
Volunteer support is essential to our Association to ensure victims receive support and assistance. Volunteer victim advocates provide this direct assistance to victims of crime and trauma. Our volunteer Board of Directors provides program governance.
Visit: http://www.bowvalleyvictimservices.org/volunteer-opportunities
Bow Valley Immigration Partnership
Immigrant Advisory Group (IAG) Member
Help us build a more welcoming and inclusive community. The IAG is a team of volunteers from across the Bow Valley with diverse backgrounds and experiences. They ensure that decisions of the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership are grounded in the lived experience of immigrants. These dedicated individuals act as liaisons to the community and help identify and respond to local settlement and integration needs.
Visit: https://bvipartnership.com/iag
#BowValleyLocals Storyteller
Help us celebrate cultural diversity in the Bow Valley! Volunteer as a Storyteller by interviewing local residents with question prompts. A great way to meet new people. This role is flexible with no fixed time commitment.
Visit: https://bvipartnership.com/volunteer
Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP) - Flexible Volunteer Opportunities
If you would like to share your skills and contribute to building a more welcoming and inclusive community for all, we would love to learn more about you! We have many projects through the year which may have flexible volunteer roles to match your interests and experience. These are casual opportunities which do not require set time commitments. Roles may include Storyteller, Social Media Support, Research, Photography, and more.
Visit: https://bvipartnership.com/volunteer
Community Cruisers
Banff Hub Mechanic
Volunteer mechanics host drop-in hours Tuesdays from 5-8 p.m. at our community bicycle workshop in The Fenlands. Volunteers need to have a good knowledge of bicycle maintenance and have some experience fixing bikes, even if it's their own. Community Cruisers will provide an orientation session for new volunteers.
E-mail: info@communitycruisers.ca
Bike Month Organizing Committee
June is Bike Month and we are looking for people to plan and execute Community Cruisers Bike Month activities. Volunteers will work together on a committee of 3-5 volunteers chaired by a Community Cruisers board member.
E-mail: info@communitycruisers.ca
Community Connections in the Bow Valley
If you have lived in the Bow Valley for long enough to become comfortable and connected in the community, consider volunteering your time to support new community members. Training, support and fun activities are all part of this volunteer experience.
E-mail: community.connections@banff.ca
Meals on Wheels in Canmore
Volunteers deliver nutritious hot lunches to seniors and others who are unable to provide meals for themselves. Weekly or backup driver positions are available.
Email: lu.douce@canmore.ca
Rundle United Thrift
If you love to hunt for bargains and are committed to recycling previously loved items, volunteering at the Banff thrift store could be the place for you.
Email: thrift@rundleunited.ca
Contact: 403.762.2075
Crossway Community Thrift Store
103-3 Industrial Pl., Canmore
403.678.9801
www.crosswaythrift.com
Environmental
Bow Valley Volunteer Stewards
Albertans have helped keep Alberta Parks healthy, beautiful, inviting and accessible for nearly 100 years. We welcome and appreciate your interest in being part of this legacy. Are you interested in protecting the environment? Do you love hiking? Why not volunteer while engaging in both?
Visit: Bow Valley Volunteer Stewards
Bow Valley Wildsmart Community Program
If you’re interested in wildlife and public safety, take a look at the volunteer opportunities offered by Bow Valley Wildsmart. We do offer several specific volunteer opportunities that are linked to ongoing projects. These include the Wildlife Ambassador program, which typically recruits new volunteers in January, and attractant management initiatives such as apple-picking and buffaloberry removal.
Visit: https://www.biosphereinstitute.org/wildsmart-education-and-outreach
Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley (WildSmart Program)
Wildlife Ambassador
The Wildlife Ambassadors are dedicated volunteers who rove trails throughout the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country, providing wildlife ecology and safety information to visitors and locals. Necessary training will be provided.
https://www.biosphereinstitute.org/careers
Parks Canada Banff National Park Volunteer Program
Be a Park Steward! Or participate in Park Stewardship Volunteer Activities, independently once trained for guided by Parks Canada staff. Hike and conduct trail reports, assist in organized clean ups, submit observations for research and monitoring through iNaturalist or help with restoration projects.
Visit: www.pc.gc.ca/banff-volunteer
Contact: 403.763.7036
Banff Isn’t Disposable
Are you passionate about zero waste and reducing single-use items? Banff Isn’t Disposable is looking for volunteers! Volunteers can help out every Wednesday at the Banff Farmer’s Market. Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/yffssmjn
Health and Wellness
Alberta Health Services
Volunteers are engaged in meaningful activities and roles such as patient visitation, driving clients to medical appointments, feeding assistance, pet visitation and much more.
Email: Volunteer.BowCorridor@ahs.ca
Learn more
Banff Mineral Springs Hospital
Our volunteers are individuals looking for a rewarding experience to provide meaningful support to residents and patients, through a variety of roles. Our programs allow volunteers to broaden their experience, gain new skills, and contribute to the lives of those we serve. Some of our key volunteer positions include: Friendly Visitors, Fun & Games, Outings, Picnics & Scenic Drives, Arts & Crafts, Spiritual Care Service.
To learn more visit: Banff Mineral Springs Hospital
Healthy Moms Healthy Babies
This program helps support high risk, low income moms in the Bow Corridor. Healthy Moms Healthy Babies supports pregnant and parenting women and teens (infants 0-6months) who face challenges with isolation, finances, physical or emotional health, healthy nutrition, family conflict and / or addictions.
Visit: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/Service.aspx?id=2213&serviceAtFacilityID=1053520
The Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley
The PCSBV has several volunteer opportunities available for individuals or groups looking to get involved and make a difference. Client-care volunteers provide emotional, social, and navigation supports to those with a life-limiting illness and their families, those who are actively dying, and those who are grieving. Volunteers meet with clients in-home, and/or in hospital and long-term care.
Visit: https://pcsbv.ca/volunteer/
Rundle Riders Therapeutic Riding Association
Therapeutic Riding is a form of therapy using horses to help persons with intellectual or physical challenges. Our programs depend on our enthusiastic volunteers. No experience with horses is necessary – we provide training. RCMP clearance is required. We have two roles during the lesson, leading and side walking.
E-mail: Enquiries@rundleriders.com
Special Events
New Year’s Eve
Banff throws a big downtown street party to celebrate the new year. This family-friendly event is jam-packed with street entertainment, activities, games, campfires, food booths, storytelling, music and much more.
Canada Day
Canada Day is the biggest celebration of the year in Banff. Help us make July 1 extra special by volunteering with the Green Team at a recycling station, bouncy castles or crowd control.
Mountain Madness Relay Race
Mountain Madness is a multi-sport relay race held every year. This legendary local relay race will take you and your team of five on the adventure of a lifetime!
Email Recreation
YWCA Banff
A charitable organization that empowers women, girls and our community through leadership development, advocacy and the provision of relevant programming and services.
Contact: carla@ywcabanff.ca
Melissa's Road Race
Volunteer to help make Melissa's Road Race a success in Banff. Race day is Sep.t 23.
There are some great benefits to volunteering:
- Helping the participants achieve their goals
- You receive the official commemorative Melissa’s technical long sleeve race shirt!
- Complimentary lunch and snacks
- Over $5,000 in volunteer prizes
- Support of The Day Care Society of Banff, the official charity of the event
And, if you are part of a group that would like to volunteer for fundraising, please let us know. If you have any questions, please contact us at: melsvolunteers@gmail.com
Town of Banff
After School Program for Immigrant Children
Banff Elementary School
Wednesdays from 3:10-4:30 p.m. until June 4
E-mail: jeanie.godfrey@banff.ca
Apply for a Committee
Apply for a Town of Banff committee and share your skills and passion with the community. Anyone who lives in Banff and is 18 or older can apply.
BanffLIFE
BanffLIFE is a community program dedicated to promoting healthy, balanced lifestyles for young adults living in Banff. We help nurture a sense of community through activities, events, and social connection. Contact us to volunteer at our special events, community programs and more!
E-mail: banff.life@banff.ca
Income Tax Preparation
Lend your expertise and become a volunteer for the income tax preparation program. Volunteers are always being recruited to help file returns for members of the community requiring assistance. Volunteers for the income tax program receive instruction from Canada Revenue Agency trainers. The program provides special attention to preparing basic returns for eligible seniors, service industry workers and persons with disabilities.
E-mail: sue.smythe@banff.ca or call 403.762.1253.
Santa’s Anonymous
Santa’s Anonymous is a community-based program in Banff and Lake Louise that helps those in need during the holiday season.
Snow Angel Program
The Snow Angel program pairs volunteers with those needing help clearing their driveways and sidewalks in winter.
Volunteer Drivers Program
The Volunteer Driver Program will provide transportation for seniors and persons with disabilities to medical appointments in Calgary, Canmore and Banff.
Zero Waste Ambassadors
We're looking for volunteers to be zero waste ambassadors for our "Zero Waste Trike" sorting station at a few upcoming events. More opportunities to help out may be available. Email zero.waste@Banff.ca to learn more
