Meals on a Mission: Volunteer Recruitment Challenge 2026

A Fun Competition for a Great Cause

Do you know someone who would make a fantastic Calgary Meals on Wheels volunteer? This year, inviting them to join up could earn you points, prizes, and shoutouts!

What’s This All About?

We’re launching a year-long recruitment challenge to help grow our incredible volunteer team—and we want YOU to be part of it! Whether you’re a longtime driver, events volunteer, or you just joined recently—if you love what we do, this is your chance to help spread the word and get rewarded for it.

When Is It Happening?

February 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027

How to Earn Points

You’ll earn points when:

  • Someone inquires and mentions your name (1 point)

  • A new applicant lists you as their referral (2 points)

  • Your referral completes training & delivers on a route (5 points)

💡 Tip: Make sure they include your name when they inquire!

Rewards & Recognition

At the end of the year, we’ll tally up the points and award you based on the tier you reach:

Tier 1 – “Neighbourly Nudge” (5–9 points)

  • Newsletter shoutout

  • CMOW baked goods or branded swag

Tier 2 – “Community Connector” (10–19 points)

  • $25–$50 gift card to a local restaurant/shop

  • Shoutout in the newsletter & at the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

Tier 3 – “Meals on a Mission Champion” (20+ points)

  • Entry into a draw for big prizes like:

  1. 1-night hotel stay

  2. Event tickets

  3. $100 grocery store gift card

  • Handwritten thank-you from our CEO + board

  • Recognition at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon & in the newsletter

How We’re Keeping It Fun

We’ll keep you in the loop with:

  • Referral cards to hand out *

  • Monthly leaderboard updates

  • Surprise mini challenges (like double points during National Volunteer Week!)

* Referral cards will be attached to meal delivery clipboards in February. If you volunteer in another capacity (flowers, office, events), please email volunteerintake@mealsonwheels.com and we will get some cards to you!

How to Track Referrals

Just make sure your referral includes your name in their inquiry or on the application form using the “How did you hear about us?” field. Our Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement Coordinator Lauren will handle the rest and keep track of your points.

We’re so grateful for all that you do already! Sharing the joy of volunteering is one more small way you can help us deliver meals, care, and connection to even more Calgarians. Let’s make 2026 our most impactful year yet!

Questions? Reach out to:

Lauren Knowles, Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement Coordinator

📧 volunteerintake@mealsonwheels.com
📞 (403) 243-2834 x 1020