Thank you to our volunteers who consistently embody GEF's values. Your commitment and efforts continue to drive our Mission forward.
Year to date as of October 26, 2026,
283 individual volunteers logged 6,878 hours
19 volunteer groups logged 296hours
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. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, share your passion, build your resume, and so much more! 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 that are geared towards students and that are easy to jump into!
If you are under 16, you will need to be accompanied by either a sibling who is over 16 or someone who is 18 years or older who can undergo a Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check. Both the youth and chaperone will need to fill out separate application forms.
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.
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.
Alberta Volunteer of the Year Award
GEF volunteer Tom Forbes has received the Alberta Volunteer of the Year Award at the ACCA (Alberta Continuing Care Association) Awards of Excellence 2026.
This award recognizes volunteers who demonstrate exceptional commitment, compassion, and dedication to enriching the lives of those they serve.
Learn more about Tom and the difference he’s making through GEF’s cycling and trishaw programs. Watch his story and read our blog.
See the Impact
Watch the videos below to discover some various ways that volunteers are enriching our GEF communities.
Meet Miral – A volunteer who has been adding a splash of colour and creativity to our community with her passion for painting!
Meet Linda – A volunteer who does it all and is dedicated to giving back to her community!
Meet Cindy – A corporate volunteer from Old Navy who supports GEF initiatives through time and donations!
Meet Leslie and Bear – A duo, who have been bringing smiles and connection through Pet Therapy.
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.