Christmas in Calgary is also the season when the city’s food banks, shelters and toy drives need the most help. Here are the best ways to give.
Give Through Events You’re Already Going To
- CPKC Holiday Train: bring food or cash to Anderson Station on December 11. Every donation stays in Calgary.
- Enchanted Festival at Spruce Meadows: ticket proceeds support Calgary and area food banks through the Leg Up Foundation.
- Lions Festival of Lights: past opening nights have collected for the food bank.
- Calgary Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss: fans throw new teddy bears on the ice at the Saddledome for local kids; check the Hitmen schedule for the 2026 date.
- Airdrie Festival of Lights: free, run on donations.
Calgary Food Bank
December is the busiest month. Donate food at grocery store bins and fire halls, give money online (it stretches further than food), or book a volunteer shift sorting donations. Shifts fill up early in the season.
Toy Drives and Hampers
Look for toy drives run by local radio stations, fire halls and malls, and hamper programs through community associations and charities that match donors with families. Teen gifts are always in short supply.
Volunteer
Shelters, meal programs and seniors’ organizations need extra hands over the holidays. Volunteer Calgary’s listings are a good place to start; sign up in November.
See also: the Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss and the Santa Shuffle.
Related: free Christmas things to do, CPKC Holiday Train.
Part of: Calgary Christmas Guide 2026
