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Volunteer Newsletter
September 2026
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On September 30, Blackfalds FCSS invites our community to come together in remembrance, reflection, and hope as we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
This day is more than a date on the calendar. It is a time to honour the strength and resilience of Residential School Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and acknowledge the deep and lasting impacts that continue to be carried by Indigenous families and communities. It is a day to listen, to learn, and to open our hearts to truths that have shaped the history of this land.
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The Town of Blackfalds is honoured to live, work, and gather on Treaty 6 territory and the ancestral lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux Peoples. Treaty 6, signed in 1876, was founded on promises of relationship, respect, and shared responsibility for the land and all who call it home. Today, those promises remind us that reconciliation is not only about understanding the past, but about how we choose to walk together today and for generations to come.
Created in partnership with local Indigenous leaders, the Town's land acknowledgement reflects our commitment to meaningful action, mutual respect, and the centering of Indigenous voices. It is a reminder that healing happens through listening, learning, and building authentic relationships rooted in trust and understanding. As many Indigenous teachings remind us, we are all connected, and the choices we make today shape the path for those who come after us. May we continue this journey together with open hearts, open minds, and a shared commitment to reconciliation.
As we gather for the Community Walk and the performance by the Red Deer Indigenous Dance Troupe, we encourage you to take a moment to reflect. Reflect on the stories of Survivors. Reflect on the children whose lives were cut short. Reflect on the resilience of Indigenous Peoples who have preserved their cultures, languages, traditions, and teachings despite generations of hardship. Reflection is not about looking back with guilt. It is about looking forward with understanding, empathy, and a commitment to do better together.
We invite everyone to wear orange, walk alongside neighbours and friends, support Indigenous-led learning, and join us in meaningful acts of reconciliation. Every step taken in solidarity, every conversation that builds understanding, and every effort to honour Indigenous voices helps strengthen our community.
Reconciliation is not a destination. It is a journey that requires all of us. Together, let us remember, learn, and walk forward with humility, compassion, and hope as we build a community where Indigenous voices are heard, valued, and celebrated.
‘May we walk gently together, honouring the children, the Survivors, and the generation yet to come, while building a future rooted in truth, respect, and hope.’
Blackfalds FCSS
| NDTR Activities ~ September 30 | |
FCSS is looking for a couple volunteers to assist with our National Day for Truth & Reconciliation activities. Volunteers will help with event set-up, preparing the site and walking path, and supporting staff as needed from 8:00 - 10:30AM.
This is a great opportunity to support a meaningful community event that brings people together in reflection, learning, and reconciliation.
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VOLUNTEER TODAY!
Join our team as a Volunteer!
To get started, please complete the Volunteer Application Form and undergo a Criminal Record Check (for volunteers 18 years and older). These steps are essential for the screening process. Additionally, volunteers are requested to reconfirm their interest in volunteering for the Town of Blackfalds every 24 months.
Download the Volunteer Application Form.
Aquatic volunteers make a lasting impact by supporting our programs, building connections with patrons, and helping our community stay active and safe.
For further details, feel free to reach out to FCSS Volunteer Programmer, Cara Kroetsch, at 403.885.6360 or through email.
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Join us for the Community Info Expo, where local organizations come together to showcase the programs, services, events, and volunteer opportunities available throughout Blackfalds.
Monday September 14 | 6-8PM
Blackfalds Community Centre (4810 Womacks Rd)
Come discover new ways to connect with your community!
Hosted by Blackfalds FCSS
| | Abbey Centre Aquatic Volunteers | |
The Abbey Centre's Aquatic Volunteer Program provides valuable hands on experience for community members interested in aquatics, safety, and recreation. Currently, six volunteers support the aquatic team by shadowing Lifeguards, assisting Swim Instructors during lessons, helping with swimming tests, and interacting with patrons.
Volunteers play an important role in keeping programs running smoothly, especially during busy times. Through their experience, they gain knowledge of facility operations, safety procedures, and aquatic culture while exploring potential career opportunities in aquatics.
The program has proven to be a successful pathway to employment, with many former volunteers going on to become Swim Instructors, Lifeguards, Shift Supervisors, and even Aquatics Programmers.
One recent success story is Mary, who earned her National Lifeguard certification at the Abbey Centre. Having grown up taking swimming lessons at the facility, she progressed through the volunteer program and became one of the first participants to complete a National Lifeguard course offered at the Abbey Centre in more than eight years.
We are grateful for the dedication and enthusiasm of our aquatic volunteers. Their contributions support staff, enhance programs, and help create a positive experience for everyone who visits the Abbey Centre.
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Upcoming Town of Blackfalds
Volunteer Opportunities
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Canada’s blood supply is down nearly 20% since June, and donors are urgently needed!!! You can help by donating and joining the Town of Blackfalds team when you book your appointment. Every donation helps ensure patients across Canada receive the blood they need.
| | Skate Monitors Needed ~ September - March | | | | |
FCSS is looking for volunteers to help with our Youth Cooking Club for Gr 5-7. Youth meet weekly to create delicious dishes while building confidence, learning kitchen skills, and developing healthy cooking habits.
Volunteer will assist staff with set up, supervising participants, meal preparation support, and clean up.
If you enjoy cooking and working with youth, we'd love to work with you.
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Wednesdays | Sep 16 - Nov 4
4:45 - 8:00PM
Blackfalds Community Centre
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Teen Night is a monthly hangout for those in Gr 7-9. Youth are invited to come spend the evening with friends, meet new people and enjoy activities like ping pong, foosball, art station, board games and much more!!!
Looking for a volunteer to help FCSS staff at Teen Night to help assist with set up, supervise activities and help with clean up.
Tuesdays: September 22, October 27, November 17 and December 5
Volunteer shifts available for each date:
Shift 1 3:30-6:00PM | Shift 2 5:00-7:30PM
Blackfalds Community Centre
| | Winter Warmth Fundraiser ~ September 24 | | |
Do you have a warm heart and a passion for helping others? Perfect!
We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make our Winter Warmth Fundraiser a success. Whether you're helping with setup, greeting guests, clearing tables, tidying the kitchen, or choosing to buy a ticket and attend, you'll play a big role in making a difference for individuals and families in our community.
Dessert pick up | Wednesday, September 24 from 11:00AM-1:00PM
Set up volunteers | Wednesday, September 23 from 6:00-8:00PM
Event volunteers | Thursday, September 24 from 6:00-8:00PM
Blackfalds Community Centre
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Do you have a little Halloween spirit? A lot of Halloween spirit? Perfect!
We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help bring our Monster Bash to life on October 31. Whether you're helping greet attendees, handing out treats, judge costumes, supervising inflatables or helping at the photobooth, you'll play a big role in making the event a success!!
Set up volunteers | Thursday, October 29 from 1:00-3:00PM
Event volunteer | Saturday, October 31 from 12:30-4:30PM
Blackfalds Community Centre
Volunteers are encouraged to dress up!
| | Snow Angel Program ~ winter months | | |
Got muscles? Got a shovel? Got a big heart?
Turn snow days into good days for someone in your community! As a Snow Angel, you'll help seniors and neighbours who need a hand clearing snow during the winter.
Why Join?
- Earn volunteer hours
- Get outside and stay active
- Help a neighbour in need
- Make a real difference right in Blackfalds
- Volunteer with friends or family
One shovel. One driveway. One happier neighbour.
| | Other Volunteer Opportunities | | |
Looking for new ways to get involved in the community? JustServe is a fantastic online platform that connects volunteers with local organizations that need support. From one‑time events to ongoing programs, it’s easy to browse opportunities that match your interests, skills, and availability.
JustServe isn’t only for volunteers—it’s also a great tool for nonprofit organizations. Local groups can create a free account and post their volunteer needs directly on the site, making it simple to reach community members who are eager to help. Whether you’re organizing an event, running a program, or looking for specialized skills, JustServe helps you connect with the right people.
If you’re searching for your next volunteer experience—or if your organization has roles to fill—JustServe is a wonderful place to start. For more information
| | Beyond Food Community Hub | | | | |
Beyond Food Community Hub operating Blackfalds Food Bank needs volunteers!
We are currently looking for morning drivers to pick up food donations. Must be able to lift 50lbs, able to drive a cargo van and have a clean drivers abstract.
Shifts are:
Monday: 8:30-11am
Tuesday-Friday: 8:30-10am
| | If you are interested in volunteering, please email or call 403.600.1768. | | |
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Canadian Red Cross is seeking volunteers for their Emergency Management program. While based in Red Deer, Volunteers in this program will respond to small-scale disasters across Central Alberta and large-scale disasters across the province, and the country. Volunteers are asked to consider that immediate deployments are unlikely and on-going training is key to being prepared to respond when and if the volunteer is available to do so. Please apply online.
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