City sets National Volunteer Week celebrations

The City of Medicine Hat has announced a full slate of volunteer appreciation events to celebrate National Volunteer Week on April 19 to 25, 2026. The 2026 theme, Ignite Volunteerism, reflects a powerful call to action. It invites communities to spark new energy for volunteering, connection, passion, and participation— to ensure volunteers feel valued, supported, and inspired.

During National Volunteer Week, the City, alongside community partners, invites all residents to come together to recognize, celebrate, and ignite volunteerism in Medicine Hat. The week of volunteer appreciation events has been made possible through Volunteer Alberta, with funding from the Government of Alberta.

“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to celebrate and build on the shared learnings from our recent Rooted in Action: Volunteerism Learning Series – a partnership with Volunteer Alberta. This learning series brought local organizations together to strengthen volunteer recruitment, retention, recognition, youth engagement, and inclusive volunteer practices,” said Anabell Marroquin, Community Resource Worker with the City of Medicine Hat. “National Volunteer Week allows us all to put this work into action by welcoming both current and future volunteers to join us in building this momentum and celebrating the contributions of our passionate volunteers.”

The majority of the week’s events are Volunteer Café Chats at several local businesses. These informal gatherings provide opportunities for volunteers to connect, share why they volunteer, and help shape the future of volunteerism in Medicine Hat. These conversations will centre on listening, connecting and celebrating experiences – because what volunteers say matters. Community volunteers are encouraged to bring their volunteer badge or wear their volunteer gear to the coffee shops to get a free treat. Each coffee shop will have a free coffee, treat or discount, which can be picked up at any point during business hours during National Volunteer Week.

The pillar of the week-long celebration is a Volunteer Appreciation Rally in downtown Medicine Hat. The rally is a welcoming, community-wide celebration at the heart of the week. It brings volunteers together to celebrate the contributions of current volunteers, recognize the impact volunteers make every day, and welcome new and future volunteers. Attendees can also connect with local organizations who are spotlighting their volunteers and sharing upcoming opportunities. This event is a great opportunity for all, whether residents volunteer regularly, occasionally, or are just starting to explore how they might get involved.

Rounding out the week is an opportunity to watch the movie Pay it Forward at The Monarch Theatre. The heartwarming movie is a tribute to the community volunteers that make Medicine Hat a great place to live.

National Volunteer Week schedule

Sunday, April 19 – Volunteer Café Chat
1 to 3 p.m. | Poolhouse Café & Roastery

Monday, April 20 – Volunteer Café Chat
1 to 3 p.m. | Station Coffee Co.

Tuesday, April 21 – Volunteer Café Chat
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Nosh.

Wednesday, April 22 – Volunteer Café Chats (two)
9 to 11 a.m. | Zucchini Blossom Market & Café
1 to 3 p.m. | MT Nest Cafe & Market

Thursday, April 23 – Volunteer Appreciation Rally
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | City Hall – Helen Beny Lounge, east side clock tower

Friday, April 24 – Pay it Forward movie (FREE)
Doors open at 6 p.m., movie starts at 7 p.m. | The Monarch Theatre

For more information about the weeklong celebration and each of these events, contact the City of Medicine Hat’s Community Resource Worker team:

Anabell Marroquin
anamar@medicinehat.ca
403-502-1941

Melanie Connellan
melcon@medicinehat.ca
403-928-2623

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@medicinehat.ca