Melanie MoralesLending a helping hand to others is something that all of us should do when we’re able. To start off with that, maybe you can donate to these best Edmonton charities.
These people need help funding their causes, whether helping the underprivileged or granting the wishes of critically ill children. But money isn’t the only help you can give, remember, as these places accept volunteers as well as donations such as books or used clothes.
Whatever you may want to give, we’ve gathered local charities here that you can go to. These are the ones most locals say have contributed a lot to the community of Edmonton.
- 1. Edmonton Community Foundation
- 2. Basically Babies Ltd
- 3. Christmas Bureau Of Edmonton
- 4. Ronald McDonald House Charities® Alberta
- 5. Make-A-Wish Canada Northern Alberta Chapter
- 6. Edmonton's Food Bank
- 7. CNIB
- 8. Alberta Dreams
- 9. Change For Children
- 10. Little Warriors
- 11. Changing Together
- 12. Cerebral Palsy Association In Alberta
- 13. Compassion House Foundation
The 13 Best Edmonton Charities
1. Edmonton Community Foundation
| BEST FOR | Charity |
| PRODUCTS | https://www.ecfoundation.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb |
| WEBSITE | https://www.ecfoundation.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb |
| ADDRESS | 9910 103 St NW Edmonton, AB T5K 2V7 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 1-780-426-0015 | 1-866-626-0015 | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | N/A |
The Edmonton Community Foundation has funded several charities as well as helped plenty of students below the poverty line achieve their goals.
This place usually sets up endowment funds, and they make sure it will provide ongoing support to organizations in the Edmonton community.
What’s more, they have a detailed process, asking the benefactor what they want done with the charitable gift. You can also sign up to volunteer with them.
With this kind of process, and their contributions to the community, it’s no wonder we’ve picked them as one of the best Edmonton charities.
Highlights
- Can donate up to $10k
- Volunteer work available
- Multiple grants
Customer Reviews
Find out why customers enjoy this place:
My first visit to the ECF, incredible building nestled in downtown Edmonton. This is a gem that more people need to know about; for the charitable work they do, not just the lovely building they have ;-). Thanks ECF, keep up the great work!
—Trevor Johnston, Google Reviews
A place full of wonderful humans doing wonderful things for wonderful reasons
—David Clark, Google Reviews
2. Basically Babies Ltd
| BEST FOR | Charities |
| PRODUCTS | https://basicallybabies.org/wordpress/ |
| WEBSITE | https://basicallybabies.org/wordpress/ |
| ADDRESS | 14839 118th Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5L 2M7 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (780) 989-0180 | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday—Thursday: 9:00AM–4:00PM Friday, Saturday & Sunday: closed |
Basically Babies is a charity that provides newborns born in extreme need with clothes and supplies within the Greater Edmonton and Calgary areas.
They provide the first year’s necessary supplies in a decorated basket filled with clothing, outerwear, blankets, toys, storybooks, sleepers, undershirts, footwear, and other baby essentials.
They’re always looking for donations and volunteers. Currently, they do curbside pickups as well as drop-offs.
This registered charity has done so much for newborns and their families around Edmonton and Calgary. With that, we think that they deserve a spot here as one of the best charities in Edmonton.
Highlights
- Drop-offs and pick-ups available
- Monetary donations accepted
- Volunteer work available
Customer Reviews
Check out what makes them so beloved to customers:
Today was my first experience on getting a layette. It wasn’t for myself but rather someone that I work with. I was very pleased with the level of professionalism, comfort and kindness that was given to me just for picking up the package. Once I got the package to whom it was for, this person lit up with excitement and joy. I got to be there to see the unveiling of the basket. Everything was so neatly packaged and folded, the color scheme was gorgeous and the best part was that Mom and siblings were over joyed for their newest edition to the family. Thank you so much to the staff and volunteers at Basically Babies for doing what you do. I could not be more happy there is a resource like this for those who need it out there.
—Natasha Soutar, Google Reviews
What a great charity. It was a privilege to volunteer there. They help so many babies in need with a full year’s worth of clothing and necessities..
—Susan Rettaler, Google Reviews
3. Christmas Bureau Of Edmonton
| BEST FOR | Charities |
| PRODUCTS | https://www.christmasbureau.ca |
| WEBSITE | https://www.christmasbureau.ca |
| ADDRESS | 12122 68 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5B 1R1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (780) 421-9627 | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | N/A |
Christmas Bureau Edmonton is one of the many branches of the Christmas Bureau program. They’ve been around since 1940, and since then, they’ve been helping disenfranchised families and seniors.
They even have a one-stop application process for families, seniors and individuals who are in need of assistance at Christmastime, whether it is for food, toys or teen gift cards. The application process is there to make sure of beneficiaries’ eligibility.
They’ve been such a charitable institution that offers compassion and goodwill that they’ve made our list of the best Edmonton charities.
Highlights
- Adopt-A-Teen available
- Collaborates with over 80 institutions
- Charity veteran
Customer Reviews
Find out why customers enjoy this place:
Wonderful experience at Christmas Bureau this year for the walk-in days! I accompanied a friend who got $30 in grocery gift cards. Well organized event, wonderful volunteers, ample parking, free BBQ hot dogs and beverages, colouring books for kids and a great sense of community in Edmonton!
—Miss Black, Google Reviews
Thank you Christmas Bureau and the volunteer family who brought me such a beautiful gift of food for my Christmas dinner! Thank you so much!
—Maureen French, Google Reviews
4. Ronald McDonald House Charities® Alberta
| BEST FOR | Charities |
| PRODUCTS | https://rmhcalberta.org |
| WEBSITE | https://rmhcalberta.org |
| ADDRESS | 7726 107 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4K3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 780-439-5437 |
| OPERATING HOURS | N/A |
Mickey D’s in-house charity, they do an array of volunteering and donations towards families at times they need the most — during the serious illness or injury of a child.
They make sure that the emotional, mental, and financial impact of said event is alleviated by providing much-needed help.
They organize events such as races to help raise funds for the families. They’ve helped thousands of families within Alberta alone.
With their compassion and drive to help people, we’re including them in our list of the best Edmonton charities.
Oh, and by the way, they’re currently setting up systems for COVID-19 relief, so do what you can to help!
Highlights
- Charity involving illness
- Fundraising events available
- Wish lists available
Customer Reviews
Take a look at what people are saying about their service:
Got a tour of all the good this place does. They need every penny they can get. So much good for our society happens here. Thanks to all of the volunteers. Thanks to the staff. Very impressed with the facility and the hospitable staff.
—Drew P, Google Reviews
I had the privilege to volunteer here and make cookies for the families. It’s a truly lovely establishment with a very homey feel to it. I urge members of the community to donate to the Ronald McDonald House charities and volunteer when available, as help is always appreciated.
—LJ, Google Reviews
5. Make-A-Wish Canada Northern Alberta Chapter
| BEST FOR | Charities |
| PRODUCTS | https://makeawishna.ca |
| WEBSITE | https://makeawishna.ca |
| ADDRESS | 16007 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5V 1C7 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | nalbertachapter@makeawish.ca 1-888-822-9474 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. They are on a quest to bring every eligible child’s wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child’s treatment journey.
Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. As an independently operating affiliate of Make-A-Wish International, Make-A-Wish Canada is part of the network of the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization. They serve children in every community in Canada, including Edmonton, and in more than 50 countries worldwide.
In 2023, Make-A-Wish Canada proudly celebrated 40 years of wish granting, having granted more than 38,500 wishes since 1983, with over 1,400 of them last year alone. For more information about Make-A-Wish Canada, visit makeawish.ca.
Highlights
- Volunteer work available
- Monetary donations accepted
- Refer-A-Child available
Customer Reviews
Take a look at what people are saying about their service:
There is not enough time for me to write about this organization. I could write a book about how they lifted our spirit at a difficult time in our lives and made a dream of our son come true.
We will never forget what they did for us.
—Rob-Roy MacNaughton, Google Reviews
My daughter was fortunate to receive a Wish from them, and it was absolutely incredible.
—Natasha Pike, Google Reviews
6. Edmonton’s Food Bank
(Source: Edmonton’s Food Bank)
| BEST FOR | Food Drives |
| PRODUCTS | https://www.edmontonsfoodbank.com/volunteer/ |
| WEBSITE | https://www.edmontonsfoodbank.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 11508 120 St. NW, Edmonton AB, T5G 2Y2 Donations via cheque can be sent to: P.O. Box 62061, Edmonton AB, T5M 4B5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Need Food Assistance 780.425.4190 Other Inquiries 780.425.2133 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday Evenings 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. |
As an affiliate member of Food Banks Canada, Edmonton’s Food Bank is committed to the mantra: Relieving hunger today. Preventing hunger tomorrow.
They strive be stewards in the collection of surplus and donated food for the effective distribution, free of charge, to people in need in their community while seeking solutions to the causes of hunger. Their team envisions a community where hunger does not exist, where all citizens have access to an adequate and nutritious supply of food.
Highlights
- Helps 20,000 each month
- Distributes 4M kg of food each year
Customer Reviews
Take a look at what people are saying about their service:
Great place to come and volunteer a few hours of your time to help. These people are amazing for doing what they do to help people in need. The love and caring attitude is priceless!! Great job everyone we definitely enjoyed it. God bless you all!! Keep up the good work!
—Tarik S, Google Reviews
Thanks for offering foods during the pandemic which is the worst period of everyone’s lives. It’s wonderful and meaningful that we can rely on the kindness and greatness of this organization! Great assistance! It’s also an amazing place to volunteer.
—Nhi Phuong Ngoc Nguyen, Google Reviews
7. CNIB
(Source: CNIB)
| BEST FOR | Non-profit organization for the blind |
| PRODUCTS | https://www.cnib.ca/en?region=on |
| WEBSITE | https://cnib.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 1929 Bayview Ave Toronto ON M4G 3E8 Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] (800) 563-2642 (416) 486-2500 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Weekdays, 10AM – 4PM |
CNIB is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. They offer to empower programs to lift people who are suffering from blindness.
They are powered by volunteers, donors, and partners. This pandemic, they decided to go virtual to continue their advocacy.
Highlights
- Partnered with IrisVision
- Virtual programs
- Great choices of programs
Customer Reviews
Here’s a review from one of CNIB’s clients:
“Great center for eye and diabetes related eye issues. The parking is reasonable as well for a medical establishment- $2 per hour. Can use both credit cards and coins. The waiting area is nice, clean and spacious.”
—Bushra Alam, Google Reviews
Here’s another one:
“Every third Wednesday is blinds man bingo if your interested please come and support the blinds bingo do you have any questions please ask more questions”
—Pauline Mary Mckenzie, Google Reviews
8. Alberta Dreams
| BEST FOR | Charity |
| PRODUCTS | https://albertadreams.ca/dreams/ |
| WEBSITE | https://albertadreams.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | #7, 12122 68 Street NW Edmonton AB, T5B 1R1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] 780-469-3306 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Weekdays, 9AM – 5PM |
A Child. A Wish. A Dream Come True!
Giving the gift of hope by granting wishes for children in Alberta diagnosed with a severe chronic or life-threatening medical illness.
Highlights
- Since 1986
- A number of dreams fulfilled
- Privacy maintained
Customer Reviews
Here’s a review from one of Alberta Dreams’ clients:
“The Rainbow Society of Alberta is a GREAT organization!!!”
—Jaime Monds, Google Reviews
Here’s another one:
“Very nice”
—Safa Blaibel, Google Reviews
9. Change For Children
(Source: Change For Children )
| BEST FOR | Charitable projects |
| PRODUCTS | Water, Climate Change, Food Sovereignty, Health, Education, Indigenous People |
| WEBSITE | https://changeforchildren.org/ |
| ADDRESS | 2nd Floor, 10808-124 Street Edmonton, AB, Canada, T5M 0H3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Inquire for details |
Change For Children is an organization that conducts efforts to aid communities to find long-term solutions towards development.
Their efforts include fundraisers, partnerships, and development projects that aim to build civil society capacity in various aspects, such as in water, climate change, and health.
Highlights
- A Strategic Plan towards Sustainable Development
- Maximizing each donated dollar
- Support for projects that lead to self-sufficiency
10. Little Warriors
(Source: Little Warriors)
| BEST FOR | Child sexual abuse treatment and prevention |
| PRODUCTS | Provides awareness about child sexual abuse, treatment facility for the victims of child sexual abuse, prevention strategies, organizes fund raisers |
| WEBSITE | https://littlewarriors.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | P.O. Box 92507 Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3X4 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: 780-922-9010 Toll Free: 1-855-922-9010 Fax: 1-888-776-5635 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:30AM – 4:30PM |
Little Warrior is a charitable organization that commits itself to help the children that are victims of sexual abuse by organizing activities that raises awareness, providing treatment facilities for the victims, creating plans and strategy to prevent sexual abuse, and making sure that the rights of the children are respected and protected. This Alberta-based organization consists of board members, a clinical team, a scientific and clinical council, a resource committee, and a staff for each department.
Little Warriors is truly grateful for the support they receive from their donors, volunteers, and supporters that help the victims to get proper treatment and support for them to cope up with the effects of sexual abuse. For more information about Little Warriors, you may visit their website or dial their phone numbers.
Highlights
- Committed to ensure the rights and needs of the children are protected
- The first world class trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment center
Customer Reviews
Here’s a review from one of Little Warrior’s clients:
“the most empowering phase for getting your child help. it is the best treatment centre for children who have been sexually abused…the smiles and dreams are just the beginning when you walk through their doors❤” – Ellen Lewis
Here’s another one:
“I have read all the information in their website here. A place like this is definitely needed. The people who have organized this are absolutely amazing. I would definitely recommend “LITTLE WARRIOR’S” to anyone who has very unfortunately gone through this hell. BEST OF LUCK TO ALL THE SURVIVORS & TO ALL OF THE STAFF!!!!!!!!!!” – Carrie Livingston
11. Changing Together
(Source: Changing Together)
| BEST FOR | Center for Immigration |
| PRODUCTS | http://www.changingtogether.com/services.html |
| WEBSITE | http://www.changingtogether.com/ |
| ADDRESS | Mc Cauley School Building, 3rd Floor 9538 – 107 Avenue NWT5H 0T7 Edmonton, Alberta |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 421-0175Fax: (780) 426-2225 E-mail: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Wednesday – 8:30am–4:30pmThursday – 8:30am–4:30pm Friday – 8:30am–3:30pm Saturday – Closed Sunday – Closed Monday – 8:30am–4:30pm Tuesday – 8:30am–4:30pm |
Established in 1984, Changing Together has been a supportive community to immigrant women in Canada. In order to cater to the unique experiences of the immigrant women, the centre has accommodated and helped their adjustment by introducing new opportunities and knowledge regarding the Canadian life.
They offer counselling and resources to issues like: financial issues, legal issues, immigration issues, bi-cultural parenting, prevention of family violence, and more. They also give special emphasis on protecting women from abusive situations into finding options and safety by coordinating with the City of Edmonton.
Highlights
- Free workshops regarding Bi-cultural Parenting, Prevention of Family Violence, Training the Trainer workshops which could be taught and adapted to people with varying English skills
- The only program in the City of Edmonton specifically designed to serve immigrant women
Customer Reviews
Here’s a review from one of Changing Together’s clients:
“Serás bien recibido como emigrante u aprenderás mucho! Compartiraas con esas maravillosas mujeres
You will be well received as an immigrant or learn a lot! Share with those wonderful women
-Elyin S Torres”
12. Cerebral Palsy Association In Alberta
(Source: Cerebral Palsy Association In Alberta)
| BEST FOR | Fundraising programs |
| PRODUCTS | https://www.cpalberta.com/donate-funds |
| WEBSITE | https://www.cpalberta.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 10025 Jasper Ave #103, Edmonton, AB T5J 1V1, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | https://www.cpalberta.com/ |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 8:30am–4:30pm |
Cerebral Palsy Alberta (CPAA) is a registered non-profit organization that supports people affected by cerebral palsy and other disabilities in the province of Alberta, Canada. The CPAA is also an affiliate of United Cerebral Palsy.
They enrich and support the lives of children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities through their programs and services. They collaborate with other organizations to promote awareness, acceptance and understanding for persons with disabilities to live, learn and work in the community.
Furthermore, they are committed to an environment of dignity, integrity and respect. In fact, they put people first and promote diversity, independence, and full citizenship.
Highlights
- Hosts various events you can join
- Open to volunteers
Customer Reviews
Here’s a review from one of Cerebral Palsy Association In Alberta’s clients:
“People are so nice here. I went for a volunteering position, and the person who actually interviewed me was super nice and helpful, I loved it, thank you!”
13. Compassion House Foundation
(Source: Compassion House Foundation)
| BEST FOR | Supporting women and their families |
| PRODUCTS | https://compassionhouse.org/our-work/ |
| WEBSITE | https://www.compassionhouse.org/ |
| ADDRESS | 10909 76 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 0J6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Tel.: 780-425-7224 Toll free: 1-888-425-7474 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Contact for more details |
Compassion House Foundation provides safe, comfortable and affordable accommodations to women who must travel to Edmonton for cancer treatment. Additionally, they offer post-treatment outreach and workshops that focus on mental health and wellbeing.
For women who must travel to Edmonton for cancer treatment, the Compassion House Foundation funds Sorrentino’s Compassion House, which provides a haven for women to support and concentrate on healing. Reliant on community donations, the house hopes to remain an affordable and accessible option to more than 300 women per year and typically stay at the house for 4-5 weeks.
Compassion House Foundation’s post-treatment programs focus on mental health and wellbeing as they return to their communities. Their post-treatment programs include:
- CompassionConnects – Uses technology to connect women to resources, blog posts, and publications from health professionals from the comfort of their own homes.
- Inspiring Speaker Series – About starting essential conversations on the impact cancer has on the mental health and emotional wellbeing of patients, families, and caregivers.
- We Can Workshops – One-day workshops open to women who have experienced cancer and their support team (family, friends, co-workers). Participants learn about the tools that allow them to take charge and start thriving—not just surviving—in the post-cancer treatment journey.
- Compassion Network – Uses its community ambassadors to help connect women within communities across central and northern Alberta with individuals, tools and resources to navigate the cancer journey better.
Their vision is to ease the distress of the cancer journey and support women who must leave their homes for cancer care and is dependent on funding from the community.
Highlights
- Serves West Canada and more locations
- Caring Community
- Clean environment
Customer Reviews
Here’s a review from one of Compassion House’s clients:
“My grandmother spent a month here and has nothing but amazing things to say about the establishment and staff. There is not enough Thank Yous, I can say to everyone who was there for her during her stay. Thank you for supporting her, and being her home away from home during such a trying time in her life. You all became her family when she was unable to be with hers during her treatment. Thank you! We highly recommend Compassion House Foundation!”
Here is another one:
“I stayed here during my treatment for breast cancer, it was the most wonderful home. The staff were awesome, it was comfortable and private, clean and well equipped with all the essentials. I enjoyed meeting many wonderful other house guests, and took in a few activities the house offered. I highly recommend this wonderful house for anyone who has to be away from home at a trying time in their life. Thank you Compassion House for caring so much.”
And our list for the best Edmonton charities comes to a close. We hope you do some volunteering or donate at these places, as they do a lot to improve the community.
Are there any other great options that we missed, though? Send us a message and we’ll update the article promptly.
Oh, and if you’re looking for organizations that sell products to fund charities, there are plenty of those too on our list of the best auctions in Edmonton. Check those out as well!
