Ready to lead?

Mary's Meals is more than a charity. It's a global movement of people working together to ensure every child receives a daily meal in their place of education.

Across Canada, volunteers are helping to grow awareness and support for Mary's Meals in their schools, churches, workplaces and communities. As a volunteer leader, you can play an important role in helping us reach even more people.

There is no single way to lead. You might organize local fundraising events, build relationships with schools or faith communities, coordinate a team of volunteers, represent Mary's Meals at community events, or encourage your workplace, service club or business to get involved.

We'll provide resources, guidance and ongoing support to help you succeed. All you need is a passion for our mission, a willingness to connect with others and the enthusiasm to turn ideas into action.

The rewards extend far beyond fundraising. You'll build meaningful relationships, strengthen your community, develop new leadership skills and help provide life changing school meals for children who need them most.

Meet Intisar El Houjairy, a medical student at the University of Calgary

Volunteering with Mary's Meals was a natural choice because its mission reflects values that have shaped my own life. Growing up as an immigrant, I learned early that access to food and education is something many people cannot take for granted. I saw how easily people facing hardship or displacement could be overlooked, despite circumstances beyond their control. Education has opened countless doors for me and for many members of our team, so we understand the life changing opportunities it creates. That's why we believe so strongly in Mary's Meals. A daily school meal removes one of the biggest barriers to education, giving children the chance to learn, grow and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Knowing something so simple can have such a lasting impact inspired me to establish Calgary's first Mary's Meals volunteer team.

Our team is made up of students and young professionals, so flexibility is key. Rather than following a strict meeting schedule, we come together when planning events and initiatives, allowing volunteering to fit around work, school and family commitments. Since launching the Calgary team, we've organized a wide range of fundraising and awareness activities, including the annual Basketball Bonanza charity game featuring the Calgary Fire and Police departments, bake sales, community market events, school presentations, community outreach and social media campaigns. Together, our efforts have raised more than $21,500, helping provide daily school meals and sponsor a school in Zambia for two years, while also inspiring more people to support the life changing work of Mary's Meals.