Help Us Make a Difference: Volunteer with the Calgary Ostomy Society
Calgary Ostomy is looking for volunteers to support our Visitor Program, event planning, and Ostomy Discovery Day. Learn how you can get involved and make a difference in our ostomy community.
The Calgary Ostomy Society is powered by volunteers who are passionate about supporting people living with ostomies and related surgeries. As our community continues to grow, we’re looking for dedicated individuals to join our team and help us provide valuable programs, peer support, and events throughout the year.
Whether you have a few hours to spare each month or want to take a more active role in shaping our organization, there are several meaningful ways to get involved.
Become an Ostomy Visitor Coordinator
Our Ostomy Visitor Coordinators play an important role in connecting people who are adjusting to life with an ostomy with trained Certified Ostomy Visitors who can provide peer support and encouragement. We are looking for a third coordinator to join the team, alongside Kaylee Janse and Leanne Whyte.
In this role, you will:
- Receive and respond to self-referrals and healthcare provider referrals.
- Match individuals with a Certified Ostomy Visitor who has a similar surgical experience and demographic background.
- Help connect people with visitors who have experience with ileostomies, colostomies, urostomies, j-pouches, or ostomy reversals.
- Answer occasional phone calls and emails related to visitor requests.
This volunteer position requires approximately 2 hours per month and can be performed remotely.
Join the Executive Committee and Help Shape Our Future
We are also seeking volunteers interested in serving on our Executive Committee and helping plan programs and activities for our local ostomy community.
Committee members help:
- Plan educational and social events.
- Develop new programs and initiatives.
- Support outreach and awareness efforts.
- Contribute ideas that help strengthen our organization.
This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to have a direct impact on the future direction of the Calgary Ostomy Society.
This volunteer position requires approximately 2 to 4 hours per month, with a committee meeting about once per month, however, it is largely based around our event schedule.
Volunteer at Our Events
Our annual Ostomy Discovery Day and other community events rely on volunteers to create a welcoming and successful experience for attendees.
Event volunteers may assist with:
- Event setup and teardown.
- Registration and greeting attendees.
- Hospitality and guest support.
- General event logistics.
This would be our most flexible volunteer role, largely rotating around our event calendar and your availability.
Seeking Guest Speakers
Do you have expertise, lived experience, or a unique perspective that could benefit the ostomy community? The Calgary Ostomy Society is always looking for engaging guest speakers for our educational meetings and special events.
Whether you are a healthcare professional, researcher, advocate, caregiver, or someone with personal experience to share, we would love to hear from you.
We welcome presentations on topics such as:
- Living well with an ostomy
- Nutrition and wellness
- Mental health and emotional well-being
- Physical activity and recreation
- Travel and lifestyle tips
- Caregiving and family support
- Healthcare innovations and ostomy products
We currently have an opening for a guest speaker at our Ostomy Discovery Day on September 13 and would welcome proposals for presentations that would educate, inspire, and support our community.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering with the Calgary Ostomy Association is a rewarding way to give back, connect with others, and support people navigating life with an ostomy. Your time and experience can help ensure that no one faces their ostomy journey alone.
Interested in volunteering?
We would love to hear from you. Contact the Calgary Ostomy Association to learn more about these opportunities and find the role that is right for you. Please get in touch with us through our contact form today!
