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Events in central Alberta

National Volunteer Week begins on Sunday

Apr 17, 2026 | 11:31 AM

National Volunteer Week officially kicks off this Sunday with multiple events set to go ahead in central Alberta.

Led by Volunteer Canada, the week is an annual celebration that recognizes volunteers across the country.

This year’s theme is “Ignite Volunteerism,” which calls on Canadians to serve their communities through acts of service, civic action, and mutual support. The theme also encourages citizens to find their thing, whether it’s serving through local events or grassroots initiatives.

Meanwhile, this year, the United Nations declared 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.

The Government of Alberta has also supported communities through the National Volunteer Week Enhancement Funding Grant. Last year, it was awarded to 90 recipients, which helped 1,300 nonprofit organizations to participate in celebrations in the province.

The following events are planned in central Alberta:

Bowden Family and Community Support Services: On April 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Paterson Community Centre in Bowden, they will recognize the week with a large celebration featuring local speakers, individual volunteer gifts, door prizes, a delicious catered supper and a piñata for the kids.

Clive Family and Community Support Services: On April 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Prairie Fire Cafe, they will host a dedicated event to recognize and celebrate the contributions of volunteers and volunteer groups within the Village of Clive. All volunteers in attendance will receive a gift bag with a token of appreciation in acknowledgment of their service.

Town of Didsbury: On April 22, the town will host a dinner for volunteers to thank and recognize their contributions. They will also be sharing volunteer opportunities at the event.

Eckville Community Services: On April 23 at 6 p.m. at 5027 51 Ave. in Eckville, they’ll hold an Appreciation and Recruitment event. There will be food, socializing, recognition, and awards for the volunteer of the year and the lifetime volunteer. Registration is required to attend the event.

Lacombe and District FCSS: On April 23 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Lacombe Memorial Centre, the Lacombe and District Family and Community Support Services will recognize and celebrate volunteers at the Volunteer Awards & Gala. The event will highlight and honour those making a difference in Lacombe through volunteering. Tickets are required.

Ponoka FCSS: A date has yet to be determined, but the Ponoka FCSS plans to host an afternoon of providing volunteers with the supplies to create their own summer planter.

Rimbey FCSS: On April 24 at 2 p.m. at the Keyera Centre, Rimbey FCSS will host a volunteer appreciation barbecue.

Town of Sylvan Lake: On April 21, the town will host a volunteer information night, which invites organizations to come and set up a table to showcase their volunteer opportunities.

Town of Blackfalds: On May 7 at the Eagle Builders Centre, the town will host the Blackfalds Volunteer Gala with an Oscar-themed format. There will be a red carpet entrance, photo opportunities, a light supper, performances, and award presentations for youth and adults.

The Mustard Seed: With operations in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, Kamloops, and Saskatoon, The Mustard Seed will host a series of initiatives to honour and recognize volunteers across Western Canada, including those in Red Deer. They will host the first annual Community Impact Awards, where they’ll recognize four volunteers across four cities. They’ll also host local volunteer appreciation events in each city to celebrate their contributions. Volunteers and award winners will also be highlighted across The Mustard Seed’s social media platforms throughout the month.  Over the 2025 calendar year alone, 5,204 volunteers contributed more than 97,000 hours of service across the organization.