Volunteer Resource Centre

The Volunteer Resource Centre facilitates community volunteer involvement through promotion, recruiting, interviewing, screening, placing, referring, supporting and recognizing volunteers in our community. We strive to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities, promote life-long learning, support external organizations who recruit volunteers and provide services and support to vulnerable residents.

Mission: Connecting the community through volunteerism.

Vision: A strong, supportive and vibrant community enhanced by volunteer involvement.

“The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers.”

Become A Volunteer

The Town of Okotoks has a volunteer registry where volunteers apply, are screened, and are then connected with a volunteer opportunities that fits their schedule and utilizes their skills. Referrals will also be made to local nonprofits and organizations to ensure that all volunteers in Okotoks have access to as many opportunities as possible.
Step 1: Complete our Volunteer Application Form or pick one up at the Volunteer Resource Centre, located in the Okotoks Recreation Centre.
Step 2: Once your application is received, the Volunteer Resource Centre will contact you to book an interview time that is convenient for you.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Okotoks Volunteer Resource Centre recruits youth between the ages of 13 and 17 years. Contact us to find the right volunteer opportunity for you!
Become a youth volunteer
Why Volunteer
- Resumé building - a great way to gain work experience and learn new skills!
- Shapes your future - provides a means of exploring potential careers.
- Community involvement builds self-esteem and enhances academic performance.
- Helps develop leadership and citizenship skills, values and attitudes needed to build a positive future.
- Meet people who can provide guidance and help you find paid work in the future.
- Employers will be impressed that you took the initiative to learn new things.
- Learn how a charitable organization works.
- Best of all, you will be taking action to promote initiatives you feel are important while helping others along the way.
Do you have Service Hours that need to be completed for Graduation?
Many schools and community organizations are now requiring youth to volunteer. College and University applications also may require volunteer experience as a condition of acceptance. Contact us if you need to fill volunteer hours.
Current Openings
- Summer Day Camp Volunteers: Summer day camps are a great way to gain experience working with children, build leadership skills and have fun. Volunteers are an important part of our day camps and help ensure all kids have a great time! Your role will be to participate in and help run all activities, as well as be a positive role model for day camp participants.
Volunteering is an ideal way to contribute and make a positive impact in the community. There are plenty of ways to get involved in Okotoks and surrounding area. Use the Volunteer Connector button to find an activity or program that suits your skills and interests!
Volunteer Connector
If you don't see a position through the Volunteer Connector that interests you, then call us and we will work to try and create a volunteer opportunity that works for you.
Special Events & Programs
Consider putting your name on the list for one of the following special events or programs:
- Okotoks Parade & Children's Festival
- Light Up Okotoks
- Okotoks ChiliFest
- Okotoks BuskersFest
- Seniors' Week Celebration
- Sheep River Cleanup
- Teddy Bear Hunt
- Canada Day Celebrations
- Kid's New Year's Eve Party
- Volunteer Driver Program
- Adopt a Sidewalk
- Repair Café
Contact the Volunteer Resource Centre for more opportunities.
The Volunteer Managers Partnership is made up of the following agencies and organizations that not only rely on volunteers, but want to show Okotoks how truly amazing our volunteers are. Contact the Volunteer Resource Centre to learn more about joining.

National Volunteer Week

2023 National Volunteer Week is April 16-22. Volunteering weaves us together, strengthening the fabric of our community by sharing our time, talent and energy to support one another. Let's recognize and celebrate our local volunteers!

What is your earliest memory of volunteering?
At university, I belonged to a university choir, we went into the penitentiary to sing for the inmates and to visit. That grew to working with kids and hoping to encourage their confidence and passion to do what they do best. This is volunteering I will continue to do as long as I can. Making a difference in people’s lives.
Where do you volunteer?
I volunteer with Inclusion Foothills on the board as a director. I volunteered for one summer as the education advisor for the IF Summer Leadership and Tutor program for kids, and I also volunteer at events and many hours at the outside summer market which is hosted by Inclusion Foothills and the Special Event Markets that happen a couple times a year.
Why do you volunteer?
I volunteer with Inclusion Foothills as a director on the board, this gives me the opportunity to help set direction for this organization. I also want to acknowledge that Inclusion Foothills has helped our family and daughter for the last 25 years and still does so this I my way to give back. As a result, our daughter has been working at the same job for 9 years, has her own home and is living independently. I also volunteer because as a teacher (retired), I saw the need for the supports that Inclusion Foothills offers to those with disabilities and their families.
What advice do you have for those looking to volunteer?
Find your passion. I find that most people would volunteer to benefit their family and others. I suggest they think about the places that have “been there” for them and their family members, these are the places to start with as they understand the need and why the volunteering is necessary.
What is one of your fondest memories of volunteering/what volunteer memory has stuck with you the most?
One of my passions was and is to volunteer for kids. The most fun I have had volunteering was band rehearsals and going on band trips with students, one of the best parts of teaching, getting to know the students outside of the classroom and learning about their likes and dislikes. I so enjoyed spring theatre to see students building confidence in themselves through performing, and working together to put on the best production they could to share with the community. Great pride in these kids.
What is your earliest memory of volunteering?
My earliest memory of volunteering is starting my time at BGCF In October of 2022.
Where do you volunteer?
I currently volunteer at BGCF In Diamond Valley.
Why do you volunteer?
I volunteer to build meaningful relationships with the kids and to have a constant positive impact in their lives.
What advice do you have for those looking to volunteer?
My advice would be to come into this with an open mind and open heart. Be the best version of yourself at all times and have fun!
What is one of your fondest memories of volunteering/what volunteer memory has stuck with you the most?
My best moments so far have been getting to know all of my wonderful co-workers and watching the kids continue to grow into amazing individuals!
From the staff at BGC Foothills Clubs...
RJ is an incredibly dedicated and valued volunteer with BGC Foothills Clubs. He has selflessly shared hundreds of hours in support of young people. RJ volunteers with BGC Foothills Clubs - Teen Night in Diamond Valley. He is a dynamic leader that is highly engaged with the young people attending the program. His passion for supporting youth is evident in everything he does! The young people attending the program look up to RJ and value him as a mentor and friend. BGC Foothills Clubs is so very fortunate to have a volunteer like RJ! We are so incredibly grateful for all that he does!
What is your earliest memory of volunteering?
My earliest memory of volunteering is about 20 years ago. I was living in Winnipeg and for a few years I did some work for the Children’s Wish Foundation in raising funds for the NICU. Also with the Children’s Hospital for the juvenile diabetes division. Both were very enjoyable experiences.
Where do you volunteer?
In Okotoks, I volunteer at the Food Bank and The Memory Cafe. Both are amazing places to be involved with.
Why do you volunteer?
I volunteer because I enjoy meeting new people, helping within the community and giving back.
What advice do you have for those looking to volunteer?
My advice would be, if you are thinking of getting involved in volunteering, absolutely just do it. It is very rewarding and fulfilling.
What is one of your fondest memories of volunteering/what volunteer memory has stuck with you the most?
Even though I have not been volunteering for very long, there are memories that stick out for me. At the Memory Cafe, the conversations and involvement I have had with so many wonderful people are special. They have made a huge impact on me. One of my favourite memories for me from the Food Bank is when we did the fall food drive. To see so many people come together and work so hard on that one day was amazing. From all the adults and students that picked up the donation bags, to unloading trucks and sorting thru the items. It was just a fun and great day! I was so happy to feel a part of the community.
What is your earliest memory of volunteering?
About 30 years ago, we both volunteered with the Rotary Club of Nanaimo. In addition, Charlene also volunteered at an elementary school as a teacher's helper assisting kids who needed additional support with reading and math.
Where do you volunteer?
Okotoks Meals on Wheels
Why do you volunteer?
Personal satisfaction, meeting new people, and giving back to the community.
What advice do you have for those looking to volunteer?
Select an area of interest that has the greatest appeal. Resist wearing "too many hats" as that can result in burnout. It happens more times than you can imagine and can change fun, rewarding experiences into chores.
What is one of your fondest memories of volunteering/what volunteer memory has stuck with you the most?
There are so many positive memories of our volunteering. Charlene especially remembers her time helping kids. She found them funny, polite, and appreciative of the help. She also talks about the times she saw these same kids many years later (whom she helped in grades 2 and 3) who would recognize her on the street and stop to say hello and thank her for the help. That was the icing on the cake for her. It was unexpected and greatly appreciated.
For Ken, there are many good memories, but the camaraderie of the Rotary Club was undeniably one of the most rewarding. It was a pleasure to work with like-minded people who had the same goal - to give back to both the local and international communities.
One of Ken's fondest memories was spearheading a project to provide a fridge, stove, washer, and dryer to a community centre in a very poor area of Nanaimo. The kids often came to school hungry and with clothes that needed washing. This gave them an opportunity to learn how to make meals and wash their clothes when needed. That was great!
What is your earliest memory of volunteering?
When I was in third grade, my best friend and I volunteered at a bakery. We were most often stationed at this little metal table right by the door, where we’d cut shapes out of fondant to later place on cupcakes for that week’s theme. I didn’t mind that our job wasn't the most difficult, because all I wanted to do was have fun with my friend and make memories.
Where do you volunteer?
I currently volunteer mostly at the Okotoks Recreation Centre for the Town's summer day camps. It is truly a great experience. The leaders are fantastic people and the kids are so sweet.
Why do you volunteer?
I first started volunteering to build my resume for future job opportunities, as well as make new friends. Through my time volunteering at the Okotoks Rec Centre, I believe I have accomplished both!
What advice do you have for those looking to volunteer?
Do it. Volunteering isn’t all that demanding. It honestly is such a great experience and an awesome way to help out your community. Find something that you love, and try to find “jobs” (volunteering opportunities) that line up with you and your personality.
What is one of your fondest memories of volunteering/what volunteer memory has stuck with you the most?
During my first week at the Okotoks Rec Centre this past summer, I was placed with a sports themed camp. The leaders were the nicest people I’ve ever met, really down to earth. One time we took the kids outside to go on a walk to a nearby park with the younger level sports themed camp. The walk there was fine, with the kids jumping around and having a blast. The three leaders and I just talked on the way there, then once we were at the park, Erick, a leader, decided to go play too. He sat on a swing and four or five kids were pushing him. Eventually, we all joined in. Once time was up and we had to go back, he gave me a thumbs up and told me I was doing great. That was the moment I really felt the impact of volunteering, especially with kids. Every time one of them sees me in public, they excitedly greet me and ask me if I remember them or if I will be coming back next year. Of course I will! Volunteering has helped me make some core memories that make me who I am today.
What is your earliest memory of volunteering?
I began volunteering with aquatics approximately a year ago. That was my first introduction to volunteering, and I was hooked!
Where do you volunteer?
I volunteer with our wonderful aquatics team at the Okotoks Recreation Centre.
Why do you volunteer?
I really enjoy being out and helping in the community. I love working with kids, and being active - the recreation centre is a perfect place for both of those things. Its also great work experience, as I hope to one day work with our aquatics team.
What advice do you have for those looking to volunteer?
Just do it! Its so rewarding, and so much fun! I learn so much, and the people you get to work with are amazing.
What is one of your fondest memories of volunteering/what volunteer memory has stuck with you the most?
I just love seeing the looks on the little preschooler’s faces when they jump in the water!
What is your earliest memory of volunteering?
Our earliest memory of volunteering is, when my wife Heather signed up and went to her first meeting of memory Café. She came home so excited to have met so many nice volunteers, and the care givers with clients or family members she said YOU HAVE to sign up you would love it so I signed up and we go together and we love it.
Where do you volunteer?
We volunteer together at the Okotoks Food Bank and at Memory Café at the Seniors Club.
Why do you volunteer?
We volunteer because we are retired and want to give our time back to our new community that we live in. We enjoy our time together volunteering and it is very rewarding and special to us.
What advice do you have for those looking to volunteer?
Our advice would be to volunteer and help people who are in need of friendship, help them to find the resources they may need on what ever journey they may be on. A kind word or jester goes a long way to someone who needs it. Putting a smile on someone’s faces gives you great reward.
What is one of your fondest memories of volunteering/what volunteer memory has stuck with you the most?
Meeting our new close friends from the Memory Café. Knowing that we will now have these friends for a life time of fun, music and laughter and some tears along the way.
What is your earliest memory of volunteering?
My first major volunteer experience was at the Calgary Food Bank. I volunteered to help in the evening, filling hampers for the next day, which was perfect because I was still working as a social worker during the day.
Why do you volunteer?
I volunteer to contribute to my community, to meet people and to learn new skills. At Foothills Country Hospice, I can tick off all three boxes!
What advice do you have for those looking to volunteer?
Just jump in. I remember feeling intimidated exploring volunteer work at the hospice. What if I am not good at my job? What if they don’t like me? But 10 years later, I am still there, so my worst fears were not realized. Definitely do some research – look for an agency who has a reputation for stellar volunteer management and whose mission you can support. Then, give it a shot. You will not regret it.
What is one of your fondest memories of volunteering/what volunteer memory has stuck with you the most?
One day at the hospice, I saw a resident reading a book by a well-known Canadian author. She told me she was a big fan and had read all of the author’s books. I reached out to the author to share this with her and she got in touch with the resident, thanking her for being a fan. She added some further commentary, supporting her in her final days. The resident was delighted and shared this experience with family, staff and other volunteers. That gesture reminded me that a small act of kindness can go a long way.