What keeps YMCA Calgary pulsing with energy, positivity and purpose? Our volunteers.
They’re the early-morning greeters, the fitness floor cleaners, the community connectors, the patient listeners, and the behind-the-scenes champions. As we celebrate National Volunteer Week (April 27-May 3, 2025), we’re spotlighting ten amazing volunteers whose dedication reminds us what it means to lead with heart.
At YMCA Calgary, our volunteers are more than helpers. They’re coaches and cheerleaders, guiding thousands of members every day with warmth, encouragement and kindness. They help create communities that grow and thrive alongside one another.
The Numbers That Move Us
In 2024, 2,639 volunteers gave their time to YMCA Calgary, adding up to an incredible 146,109 hours of service. That’s time spent building confidence, nurturing belonging, and creating moments that matter.
Here’s where their impact was felt:
• Membership: 904 volunteers / 49,347 hours
• Weight Floor: 613 volunteers / 27,337 hours
• Programs: 1,451 volunteers / 21,634 hours
• Community Programs (Youth Engagement + LINC): 848 volunteers / 15,594 hours
• Group Fitness Classes: 403 volunteers / 14,288 hours
• Early Years: 264 volunteers / 9,831 hours
The People Behind the Figures
Brandi, Weight Floor Cleaner, YMCA Shawnessy
“I like to see people smile and be happy. After my shift, I like to swim in the pool—it’s very relaxing. I appreciate the free membership, but even more, I enjoy being part of this big family.”
Aphrodit, Volunteer Fitness Instructor, Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge
“What I love most is how supportive and inclusive everyone is. The connections we build in class extend beyond the workout. We’re like a big family, lifting each other up. That bond is what makes the YMCA so special.”
Bhumi, Tutoring Table Math Tutor
“What’s most rewarding? Knowing that my small efforts—academic or emotional—can genuinely support someone’s growth. You don’t need grand gestures to change lives. Even small, consistent efforts matter.”
Gabby, Weight Floor Cleaner, YMCA Shawnessy
“I help clean the equipment and mats on the weight floor. I’m a happy person, and I like to see people happy—that makes me happy too! The YMCA staff are very kind and nice. I love volunteering here.”
Coreen, Remington YMCA in Quarry Park
“When I retired, I knew I needed to stay connected and active. Volunteering at the YMCA has made my retirement—and my life—so much more fulfilling.”
Rob, Volunteer Fitness Instructor, YMCA Calgary
“I love instructing and seeing the joy in people’s faces. I’m a better person for this experience and this community.”
Heewon, Weight Floor Cleaner, YMCA Shawnessy
“I clean the workout machines in the gym. People say, ‘thank you’ and ‘good job’—and that always makes my day. I also love meeting the staff and new people!”
Al, Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge and Melcor YMCA at Crowfoot
“What I find most rewarding is knowing I’m giving back and helping others. Volunteering gives you new skills, new friends, and the deep satisfaction of making a difference.”
Amal, Tutoring Table Math Tutor
“I originally came to YMCA for networking and found a place to give back. The most rewarding part is seeing students succeed, it’s an amazing feeling. To anyone thinking about volunteering, I say: ‘Why not?’ We all share this society. Giving back just makes sense.”
Janet, Volunteer Fitness Instructor, YMCA Calgary
“I have had the good fortune to see personal successes in so many of my participants, celebrated in their achievements, comforted them in their personal challenges and embraced their friendships, as they have with me.”
The Ripple Effect
Members feel the impact of our volunteers every day:
“The volunteers at the front desk are always welcoming and sometimes the first person I see in a day.”
– Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge member
“Our child care volunteers are always so kind and patient with our littles. They are an amazing asset to the child development team!”
– Remington YMCA Child Care parent
“We can always count on the facilities being clean, and the welcome being friendly because of the volunteers at our Y.”
– Melcor YMCA at Crowfoot member
And as author DeAnn Hollis once wrote:
“The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.” At YMCA Calgary, that heart beats strong. To our 2,639 volunteers: Thank you. For the time, the care, and the community you build every single day.