Volunteer fair helps bridge gap between organizations and newcomers

Hundreds of people came out to the fifth annual Calgary Volunteer Fair looking to get involved in the community.

The fifth annual Calgary Volunteer Fair is bigger than ever.

More than 60 non-profit organizations packed the University of Calgary campus on Thursday seeking volunteers for causes like youth mentorship, senior services and food insecurity.

Volunteer fair president and co-founder Alexandra Kryska Grams says she’s encouraged by the turnout.

“People are really excited to be here. Organizations are really excited to meet volunteers where they’re at and really try to flex their roles in order to make it more possible for volunteers to join,” Grams said.

The UN General Assembly has declared 2026 the International Volunteer Year, encouraging organizations and communities to champion volunteer causes.

Grams says those causes are important on many levels.

“One of their key areas that they’re focusing on is reducing social isolation,” she said. “By coming together like this, we’re really looking for people to feel a connection.”

The fair has teamed up with Volunteer Calgary, whose focus is getting newcomers to become more comfortable to volunteer.

“Volunteerism and wellness go really hand-in-hand.” says Nitu Purna with Volunteer Calgary.

“We are seeing there is a huge demand for the volunteers, but also, newcomers who are coming from different countries, different experiences. There is a huge supply.”