You can make a difference.
Making a difference doesn’t have to be complicated.
Anyone can be a connector who helps seniors thrive.
Volunteering to support seniors is a rewarding experience, and there are many ways you can get involved.
Organizations that support seniors have a wide range of volunteer opportunities available.
You can:
These are just a few of the possibilities. Organizations are very open to people proposing volunteer positions based on their talents and interests.
Drive Happiness provides assisted transportation services to seniors by pairing them with volunteer drivers. There is no minimum time commitment and volunteers can make their own schedules and choose their own rides. Volunteer drivers receive a gas reimbursement.
Volunteering with Meals on Wheels can offer big rewards for both clients and volunteers for a minimal time commitment.
Volunteer delivery drivers help thousands of Edmontonians every year with a time commitment of only 2.5 hours once or twice a week. Other ongoing volunteer opportunities include helping in the kitchen, office, and special events.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life. If you have a passion to help and some extra time to give, we would love to hear from you.
The EMCN Volunteer Program works collaboratively with community members to value diversity and promote full participation for newcomers in all aspects of society.
Volunteer programs range from activities with seniors such as exercise and hosting games to sharing artistic talents with an appreciative audience.
Volunteers can support Sage in a variety of ways including: receptionist, food preparation, cashier, data entry, life enrichment instructor, club leader, income tax preparation, special event assistant, and Sage ambassador.
Seniors’ Centre Without Walls (SCWW) is a free telephone program for Alberta older adults who find it difficult to leave their homes with group sessions that include games, health topics, history, and more. The program is always looking for volunteer presenters on anything and everything! Are you interested in hosting a conversation group? Maybe you have an interesting hobby, or skill to share? The programs can vary in length/frequency depending on your availability and are all done from your home over the phone.
WSAC volunteers operate a wide range of programs, activities and seniors support services. Whether you’re a senior yourself, or are simply interested in giving back, volunteering with WSAC is a fun way to meet new people and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
The VolunteerConnector website matches volunteers with opportunities in communities across Alberta. You can narrow the search to Edmonton and for opportunities with seniors (choose causes and select older adults). Hundreds of volunteer opportunities are listed.
The Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council posts volunteer opportunities of interest to seniors.
Check out this resource that provides information on typical application and orientation processes and what you can expect when volunteering.
“Volunteering with Drive Happiness has given me a good feeling. I’ve met an awful lot of new people. I just enjoy listening to them and sometimes they enjoy listening to me.”
– Harold Lake, Drive Happiness Volunteer Driver
Connecting Edmonton Seniors is an initiative of the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council, which works with stakeholders to enhance community supports for Edmonton seniors.