2018 has arrived, and with it comes new opportunities to get involved in the community and give a bit of your time to great causes in Edmonton. Whether you’re looking to fulfill your New Year’s resolutions or create some feel-good vibes, volunteering is an awesome way to be a part of positive change. Here are just a few of the many volunteering opportunities you can find in Edmonton.

Hope Mission Edmonton | 9908 106 Ave.

The Hope Mission Centre in Edmonton started as a soup kitchen in 1929, but over the years, it has expanded into a critical resource for Edmonton’s less fortunate. Hope Mission provides meals, addiction recovery, housing, and much more.

As a volunteer at Hope Mission, you can be a part of the many different programs that the centre offers. Volunteer opportunities include helping with daily food service, sorting donations, assisting with overnight shelters, and working directly with child and youth programs.

Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS) Edmonton | 9310 82 Ave.

YESS Edmonton is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping youth in Edmonton who have found themselves in tough situations. The organization offers shelter, meal service, and other support services to help struggling young adults in the community.

There are several ways to volunteer your time at YESS Edmonton, including working directly in the shelters providing meals, youth support, or administrative services. If you are looking for opportunities that are more time-flexible, check out the one-time fundraising events you can be part of.

The Reuse Centre Edmonton | 6835 83 St.

If you are passionate about the environment and promoting sustainability, volunteering at the Edmonton Reuse Centre is a great way to make an impact in the community. The centre is run by volunteers and promotes the diversion of waste out of local landfills.

Volunteers at the Reuse Centre do a variety of jobs that keep the organization thriving every year. You can volunteer your time as a sorter, craft assistant, tour guide, or even write for their blog. This could be a great opportunity to give back to the community while also building a writing portfolio.

Edmonton Food Bank | 11508 120 St.

The Edmonton Food Bank is a great opportunity to make connections within the community and be part of a team that changes individuals’ and families’ lives every day.

Volunteering opportunities include sorting and organising in the warehouse building, driving deliveries around the city, working special events, and so much more. If you struggle to find the time to commit, hosting your own food drive to support the Edmonton Food Bank is as simple as calling up a few friends and family members.

Common Grounds Community Café | 50 Brentwood Blvd, Sherwood Park

If you love coffee and tasty treats, volunteering at Common Grounds may be the unique opportunity you are looking for. The nonprofit café is run completely by volunteers, and all profits from sales are donated to local charities. This community hub showcases local musical artists, doubles as an art gallery, and hosts special events.

The volunteer baristas at Common Grounds typically work a single three-hour shift every week or every two weeks. If working behind the counter is not your cup of tea, there are also opportunities to work in the kitchen, clean, and help with event setup and teardown.

Habitat for Humanity Edmonton | 14135 128 Ave.

Habitat for Humanity is a great volunteering opportunity for those who like to work with their hands and physically create change in their community. The organization is open to volunteers of all levels and offers training days for those who have limited experience using power tools.

Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity involves more than wielding a hammer and a nail gun, as there are opportunities to work in the ReStore as well. At Habitat for Humanity, you can volunteer individually or you can sign up as a group to work on ongoing projects in Edmonton.