Volunteering for the Foundation

Volunteering with us is a chance to make a real difference in the lives of children and families. Every hour you give helps advance child health and wellness, supports vital programs and events and contributes to a caring community that believes in making everything possible for kids. To ensure a safe and positive environment for everyone, all volunteers are asked to complete a Police Information Check. We understand that this is an extra step, so we’re happy to reimburse the cost — or if you’d prefer to cover it yourself, that’s perfectly fine, too. Whether you’re helping at an event, supporting fundraising efforts, or lending your talents behind the scenes, your involvement matters. Every volunteer brings energy, kindness, and compassion — and together, we make an extraordinary impact for children and families across our community.

As a volunteer, you might be asked to help with:

  • selling 50/50 tickets

  • silent auction supervision

  • helping at registration

  • watching for a hole in one

  • face painting

  • marshalling a 5K run

  • organizing race packages

  • water stations at races

  • greeting guests

  • selling raffle tickets

  • supporting in-office administration

  • making thank-you calls

  • collecting donations

  • attending public events to share information about the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation

  • spreading joy as our mascot, Dr. Teddi

Every role is vital — and we aim to make your experience enjoyable, supported and meaningful.

How it Works

We aim to make volunteering simple, flexible and rewarding. Here’s what you can expect as part of our Volunteer Program:

Schedule

While volunteer opportunities happen year-round, you will find that most of our volunteer opportunities are between the months of May – October. Events can be during the work week, on the weekends or in the evening.

Event Call-Outs

Check out the Opportunities tab for upcoming volunteering events. For popular events, a waitlist may be used.

Volunteer Positions

While we do our best to accommodate your preferred shift and role, flexibility is appreciated so we can meet the needs of each event. Final shift placements are approved by the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure fairness and proper event coverage.

Training

First-time volunteers are paired with a Foundation staff member or a Volunteer Ambassador. Most training happens at the event, right before your shift begins. Additional training may be offered depending on the role or event.

Event Information

Before your shift, you’ll receive a confirmation email with everything you need to know, including the event schedule and who your main contact will be — either a Foundation staff member, Volunteer Ambassador or Third-Party Event Organizer.

Policy Documents

Our policy documents are here to help guide you through the expectations and protocols for volunteering with the Foundation. If a protocol is accidentally missed, our Volunteer Coordinator will connect with you to chat through next steps. You can find your completed policy documents under your Profile > Qualifications. 

Feedback

We’re always looking to improve the volunteer experience. Feel free to send feedback to volunteeringinfo@achf.com

Expenses

The Foundation is happy to cover reasonable expenses (like parking) incurred on your volunteer time! You can confirm in advance with the Volunteer Coordinator if your expense will be covered. Hang onto your receipts!

Group Volunteers

We love that so many groups want to volunteer with the Foundation! Some events allow you to sign up as a Team - keep an eye out for these! Group opportunities are limited. Please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator for more details about what’s available.

Hospital Volunteers

Foundation volunteers support events and activities outside the hospital and do not work directly with children. To volunteer with kids at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, visit the Alberta Health Services volunteer page

Volunteer Ambassadors

This small group of experienced volunteers are around to offer extra support. They can be spotted wearing blue names tags at events — come say hi!

Cancelling Shifts

We understand that life happens. If something comes up and you can’t make your shift, just let us know as soon as you can. Last-minute cancellations and no-shows can be tough on the team and can affect the success of an event.

Youth Volunteers

To volunteer with the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, you must be 18 years of age or older. Some events welcome volunteers aged 14+ as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also a Foundation volunteer registered through this platform. Watch here for family-friendly volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Looking for other ways to get involved? Check out our Kids Helping Kids program!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: What happens after I submit my application?

Once your waiver forms are completed, your profile will be reviewed by the Volunteer Coordinator. Please check out your Qualifications tab on instructions for completing a Police Information Check without Vulnerable Sector ($25).This process can take up to three weeks. Volunteers are responsible for obtaining and paying for the police check, however the Foundation can reimburse you.

Q: How do I complete my Police Information Check?

If you have completed a Police Information Check within the last 2 years, you can upload it directly under your Profile > Qualifications> File Upload. 

If you require a new Police Information Check, you will receive a Reference Letter under your Files tab on your profile. You will need this letter to submit your Police Information Check without vulnerable sector. Once you have your completed PIC, you can upload under Qualifications > File Upload. Receipts for Police Information Checks ($25) can be reimbursed by sending a copy of the receipt to volunteeringinfo@achf.com. 

Q: I’ve completed my Waivers but the status says Pending?

All waivers are reviewed by the Volunteer Coordinator. Once your profile and waivers have been completed, the Volunteer Coordinator will approve your application. 

Q: How will I learn about volunteer opportunities?

Check out the Programs or Opportunities tab for upcoming volunteering events. Make sure you have your Email settings turned on to receive updates about upcoming events, including information about events you have signed up for.

Q: How much time do I need to commit?

Volunteering with the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation is designed to fit your schedule. Time commitments vary depending on the event or activity, and you can choose opportunities that work best for you — whether that’s a few hours, one day or ongoing support.

Q: Will I receive training?

Absolutely! First-time volunteers are partnered with an experienced volunteer or ACHF staff member for role-specific training. Additional training may be provided for some roles.

Q: Will the information I submit in my application be kept confidential?

Yes. All information provided during your application is confidential and used solely for Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation business purposes

Q: Do I get to volunteer inside the Hospital directly with kids?

No. The Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation does not organize the volunteers that work inside of the hospital. For volunteering inside the hospital, please sign up online via the AHS link here .