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, click the icon 
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.
Click the photo to see our location on a map!
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:
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:
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
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.
We are seeking volunteers who can assist with our monthly book table sales. Book sales are held every third Wednesday and Thursday of the month. We require a team of volunteers to assist with the set up on Tuesday afternoon, the sale on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as the take down on Fridays.
This role is very physically demanding with repetitive motions and heavy lifting. You must be able to lift boxes and books.
Applicants must be available for all 4 days each month:
We are looking for volunteers who love helping others to assist in our retail operations, which include a gift shop and bookstore. Customers include patients, family members and staff. Volunteers will assist clients with clothing, books, cancer-related headwear, gifts and greeting cards.
We are looking for the following weekly roles, with a minimum of a 6-8 month commitment:
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:
Enhance the comfort level of patients by providing wig fittings and head shaves patients in a comfortable and caring environment. Hair loss can be a difficult experience for many people, so it is important that volunteers are comfortable supporting people who are distressed.
No hairdressing experience is required. Training is provided. Volunteers must be comfortable touching other's hair/scalp. Strong communication skills, including excellent listening skills are essential.
Commitment - A minimum 8 month commitment is required.
Provide information, referral and library services to cancer patients and their families, and to facilitate the operations of the resource centre.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required as volunteers present new patient orientations to patients and designated supports. Volunteers should be mature, calm, patient, friendly, supportive and skilled listeners. Excellent computer skills required. Library skills would be an asset. Experience with MyAHS Connect would be an asset. Must be familiar with the CCI already.
Shifts we are recruiting for:
Again, all applicants must be comfortable with public speaking, presenting, computers, and learning new technology/software.
Provide support to inpatients and families by visiting, supporting nursing staff to meet patient needs, and providing diversionary and resource materials for enjoyment and relaxation. This role may include visits to patients near the end of life and those who are very ill.
Commitment - Weekly shifts, 6-8 month commitment..
Experience - applicants must have health care experience or previous volunteer experience involving patient interaction. Volunteers must have excellent communication skills, an ability to initiate conversation and build rapport and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
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.
