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Trees of Joy, presented by CN, is a heartwarming and magical event that brings together compassionate corporate donors, with wish kids and their families, to make more wishes come true. The first Trees of Joy began in Toronto in 2016 with just eight trees and has now spread across Canada, attracting top corporate and community donors. We are looking for volunteers to help bring holiday joy to Wish Families from across Southern Alberta through supporting Trees of Joy Calgary 2026!
Details:
Date: Friday November 27th, 2026
Time: 5:30am-1:00pm (see shift times below)
Location: Calgary TELUS Convention Centre - 136 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2P 0K6 - Lower Ballroom
ROLES
**Ballroom & Tree Set-Up | 5:30 a.m. call time**
Help bring the magic of Trees of Joy to life! This early-morning team plays an essential role in getting the ballroom ready for our wish families and donors.Volunteers will help set up and fluff all 31 Christmas trees, assist donors with bringing their decorations and gifts into the ballroom, lend a hand with decorating, and tidy the space before the tree reveal at approximately 9:30 a.m.
**Registration | 7:30am-10:00am
Be the first friendly face our wish families and donors see as they arrive! Registration volunteers will help welcome guests, check them in, ensure all required waivers are signed, and confirm each wish family’s tree delivery address.
You will also answer questions, direct guests to the activity stations and other event spaces, and help everyone feel comfortable and excited for the morning ahead. A warm smile, attention to detail and a welcoming approach will go a long way in making arrivals run smoothly.
**Activity Stations | 7:30am-10:00am
Help keep the Christmas excitement going while our wish children and their siblings wait for the tree-lighting ceremony! Families will remain outside the ballroom until the reveal, so these stations will provide a welcoming space to play, create and make memories.
Activities will include colouring, ornament making, Santa photos and temporary tattoos. Volunteers will help children participate, keep supplies organized, manage lineups where needed, and keep their stations tidy. At the Santa photo station, volunteers will help welcome families and keep the photo experience running smoothly. We encourage volunteers to follow each child’s lead and help them enjoy the activities at their own pace. Station assignments and further instructions will be shared closer to the event.
** Raffle Ticket Sales | 7:30am-1:00pm
Circulate around the ballroom and engage with community partners and guests. You will be inviting guests to purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win WestJet travel vouchers.
OTHER NOTES AND DETAILS
**Volunteer Training | November 19 at 6:00 p.m.** We will hold a virtual training session for all volunteers on November 19 at 6:00 p.m. Together, we will walk through the event schedule, review each volunteer role and key responsibilities, and answer any questions so everyone feels prepared for event day.
- Dress Code: Make-A-Wish Volunteer T-shirt or holiday sweater, black pants, comfortable shoes
- Pastries and coffee in the morning, brunch following the tree reveal
- Onsite parking and transit accessible
Thank you for sharing your time and energy to help make Trees of Joy a magical experience for our wish families!
Event Contact: Amanda Horricks - Manager, Community Partnerships (amanda.horricks@makeawish.ca / (403) 450-0291)
Jenni T.,
Cindy P.,
Renee T.,
Donna B.,
Jodi G.,
Robyn G.,
Nancy M.,