Volunteer with Us


Thank you to our volunteers who consistently embody GEF's values. Your commitment and efforts continue to drive our Mission forward.
See the incredible statistics below:
Year to date, as of September 1, 2025

209 individual volunteers

4784 volunteer hours

Apply Here Current Volunteers Login Here View Current Volunteer Opportunities

GEF Volunteer Newsletter – July 2025

GEF Volunteer Newsletter – April 2025

GEF Volunteer Newsletter – February 2025

Join our Vibrant Communities!

Explore our current volunteer opportunities to see if any roles catch your interest. Alternatively, let us know if you have a special skill you’d like to share by applying online.

To learn more about how to become a volunteer, please click here.

For Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.

We welcome youth to volunteer and recognize the immense value of intergenerational relationships. Youth volunteers can bring their own ideas and share their unique skills, such as playing the piano or other talents. We also offer structured volunteer opportunities for those looking to fulfill volunteer hour requirements, such as serving as a Dining Room Greeter.

To learn more about being a Dining Room Greeter, please click here.

We welcome groups of all ages to join us! Whether you’re a family, a group of friends, a community group, a sport or a corporate team, we want to hear from you! We are excited to work with groups to create a rewarding experience for both GEF seniors and group members.

We love to hear your ideas, but we also have a handful of structured, seasonal initiatives for groups.

If you are interested in group volunteer opportunities, please apply online or reach out at volunteer@gef.org.

Planting Days are when our residents, tenants, their family and friends, our staff, and our partners in the community come together to rejuvenate our outdoor spaces. Activities include weeding, watering, and planting, which makes it a great opportunity to connect, give back, and support our mission to enhance seniors’ quality of life. No previous planting experience is needed!

For more information, check out our blog posts:

Planting Days takes place through the end of May to the beginning of June.

Fall Clean Up is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together to prepare outdoor spaces for winter. Residents, tenants, their family and friends, staff, and community partners participate in activities like raking leaves, pruning plants, and tidying up garden beds. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, contribute, and support our mission to improve seniors’ quality of life. No gardening experience is necessary!

Fall Clean Up takes place through the end of September to the beginning of October.

Christmas Decorating is a joyful experience where we come together to bring holiday cheer to our GEF communities. Activities include hanging ornaments, stringing lights, and setting up festive decorations. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, spread joy, and support our mission to enhance seniors’ quality of life. No decorating experience is necessary!

Christmas Decorating takes place at the end of November.

We love to partner with school groups and daycares on opportunities that bring students and seniors together. Whether through classroom visits, shared projects, or volunteer opportunities, there are many ways to get involved

For a printable brochure with information about intergenerational opportunities, please click here or see below for more information.

If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out at volunteer@gef.org or call 780-482-6561.

Bring your class for a memorable visit to one of our GEF Communities! These visits can be one time or ongoing and can provide a wide range of interactive and meaningful activities, including:

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Games and Shared Learning Experiences
  • Reading and Writing Practice
  • Seasonal Celebrations, such as Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, etc.

Our communities also provide a welcoming space for choirs, dress rehearsals, student presentations, and more.

Ongoing intergenerational projects offer students the chance to build lasting relationships with seniors through fun, creative, and meaningful experiences. A few examples of what these collaborative programs can look like:

  • Pen Pal Programs
  • Collaborative Story Writing or Legacy Projects
  • Virtual Reality (VR) Exploration – GEF owns several Rendever Virtual Reality systems

Harry Ainlay students celebrate Edmonton seniors through school project | Watch News Videos Online

Students from Harry Ainlay High School and seniors from GEF had the unique opportunity to create connections and form meaningful relationships through photography and story telling.

Students and seniors bonding over robot coding | Watch News Videos Online

Students from St. Richards Elementary School teach coding and robotics to seniors at Sakaw Terrace through the Grandfriends Program.

See the Impact

Watch the videos below to discover some various ways that volunteers are enriching our GEF communities.

Meet Doreen and Loreen – A mother daughter duo serving up happiness at McQueen Place Lodge for 25 years!  

Meet John – A member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada who is passionate about sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge about the night sky!   

Meet Alexa – See how she is utilizing virtual reality to make connections and create shared experiences! 

Meet Brandon – A corporate volunteer from TELSCO Security Systems who has supported numerous GEF initiatives over the years.

Benefits of Volunteering with Us

  • Every effort you make contributes to our Vision of creating vibrant, affordable communities for seniors.
  • Share your existing talents or discover new skills while forming meaningful connections with Edmonton seniors.
  • Become a part of our diverse, close-knit community that shares your passion for giving back.
  • Choose volunteer opportunities that work for you and your schedule.