Our hours of operation are Monday - Friday before 4:00 pm for all volunteer roles. We are not an evening or weekend facility. For more information about the shifts available, ensure you read the information available for the role you are interested in. We are also not a work experience facility - we cannot place applicants in roles held by paid employees.
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Cancer Care Alberta volunteers are individuals looking for a rewarding opportunity to provide meaningful support to patients and families through a variety of roles. The volunteer team at the Cross Cancer Institute demonstrates care, compassion, and commitment in making a difference every day.
What is the Role of the Volunteer?
Volunteers have been described as the 'heart' of the Cross Cancer Institute (CCI). They provide assistance to cancer patients and their families in a wide variety of roles, thereby contributing to an enhanced care experience.
Please Consider...
Before you commit to volunteer service at CCI, it is important to think about:
- Are you reliable? We rely heavily on our volunteers attending their scheduled shifts
- Your existing commitments and responsibilities - we look for volunteers who are able to commit 6-8 months or more to our facility
- Your skills, experience, interests and availability
- Your objectives-will this position give you what you are looking for?
- Are you able to work independently or collaboratively to improve the experience of cancer patients and their families?
- Are you willing and able to give your time on a consistent basis for a minimum of 6 months?
Volunteer Programs
We have a variety of volunteer positions at the CCI such as retail assistance, wayfinding, inpatient programming, outpatient clinic support, wig salon, and resource centre support. Please carefully review our list of Current Opportunities to see what we are currently recruiting for as we will only be reviewing applications that match those openings. This is located at the bottom of the page. If you are looking for a position that is not listed below, please contact our office at volunteer.cci@cancercarealberta.ca
regarding your interests.
Next Steps
If you think volunteering with the CCI is right for you and are ready to get started, just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Click the [Fill in an Application] button on the right-hand side of this page and complete an application form. Please note, the username and password you create will be used going forward in this process. It is recommended that you keep this information in a secure place for future use.
Step 2: Volunteer Resources will review your application to see if you are a suitable candidate for our volunteer program. Please ensure that the position(s) you select are currently being recruited for and match your availability. You will be asked to supply two (2) references.
Step 3: At the interview, if it is agreed that we have a position that is a good match for your skills and availability, you will be asked to complete our volunteer on-boarding process which includes:
- Police Information Check (with Vulnerable Sector Screen, if required)
- Communicable Disease Assessment Form (determined by hours of service)
- Organizational and CCI site orientations
- Required Organizational Learning
- Participating in Confidentiality and Privacy training, including signing a Confidentiality Form
Step 4: Training, specific to your position, will be provided. Additional learning opportunities are available to our volunteers as part of our learning culture.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Cross Cancer Institute. If you have additional questions, please contact our office at volunteer.cci@cancercarealberta.ca
I would like to volunteer
Current Opportunities
Summer Student (May - August Post Secondary; July & August High School)
High School and post-secondary students may apply for our summer student program which runs from May to August each year. To be successful in the program, students must complete a minimum of 40 hours.
We begin accepting applicants in February and available spots fill quickly, as space is limited.
Students will have the opportunity to train and volunteer in a variety of placement areas, including Wayfinding, Gift Shop, and the Sunroom Cafe. Other placement areas may be available. We require a minimum commitment of one or more shifts per week over the course of the four months in summer.
All shifts for this program are 3-4 hours in length scheduled Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. There are no shifts after 4 p.m. or on Saturday or Sunday for the Summer Student program.
Sunroom Cafe Volunteer
All aspects of the delivery of food service in the Association operated Café ensuring high standards in a sanitary environment. Sell and serve food and refreshments to patients, visitors, staff and other volunteers. Volunteer must be familiar with and practice safe food handling/infection control procedures. Volunteer should be comfortable working with a cash register and handling money. Good interpersonal skills and a positive attitude are required.
Please ensure your availability meets this need before applying.
Weekly Shift available starting in Fall:
- Weekly, Wednesday 12:00-4:00 pm
- Regular Back Up coverage
Radiation Therapy Wayfinding
Volunteers in this role will be located on the 0 level assisting Radiation Therapy with directing patients who are checking in as well as lost in the lower level. Volunteers will also help assemble education packages, disinfect common areas, and assist patients resting in beds with fresh water, warm blankets, and a quick visit or activity.
We are looking for a minimum of a 6-month commitment to the program. Availability is as follows:
Shift Commitment:
- Weekly, Thursday Afternoon: 1:00-3:00 pm
Wayfinder
To meet and greet patients and their friends/families/visitors and to orient them to the facility by providing support and general information regarding the Institute. Assist with wheelchair management by ensuring the wheelchairs are cleaned/sanitized after each use and collected in appropriate areas at the end of shift.
Shift Commitment:
- Tuesday, weekly: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Back Up for 8:00-12:00 pm or 12:00-4:00 pm
Refreshment Cart
Offer refreshments: tea, coffee, juice and cookies to out-patients and their families/friends. Responsible for restocking fridge, cupboards with cookies, and ensuring the "tea trolley" is clean and the work room is tidy. After shift, washing the items used by the cart and sterilizing.
This role is physically demanding as you are walking/standing the entirety of the shift while pushing a cart.
Commitment - One (3 hour) shift per week:
- Thursday morning, weekly: 8:30-11:30 am
- Refreshment Cart Back Ups - 8:30 - 11:30 am and 12:30 - 3:30 pm are the regular shifts
Pet Therapy Teams (Must be certified by a Pet Therapy Org.)
Volunteers will bring their dog to visit with outpatients and families in various clinics and treatment areas. Pet visits add joy to the patient experience and can help reduce stress. All dogs must be certified/approved by a Pet Therapy organization.
Shift timing - Monday to Friday anytime between 09:00 AM 4:00 PM. Shifts are 1-2 hours in length, depending on your dog. No evening or weekend shifts are available.
