The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign is a fundraising effort across Canada and are an opportunity for the public to donate whatever funds they can to support the work of The Salvation Army during the Christmas season and throughout the year.
Where did this idea come from? In 1891, Captain Joseph McFee wanted to help the help the vulnerable in San Francisco, especially during the Christmas season, but he didn’t know where to get funding to do so. He remembered, during his earlier days in Liverpool, England, seeing a large kettle where passengers of boats that docked nearby were able to toss coins to help the poor. Captain McFee placed a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing, and encouraged the public to “Keep the Pot Boiling.” He collected enough to host a Christmas dinner for the poor. The first time a kettle was used in Canada was in Toronto in 1903.
Funds collected provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to over 1.9 million people each year in Canada, restoring hope and dignity to those who might otherwise remain invisible in society. Poverty is the root cause that puts dignity out of reach for millions of Canadians, making access to everyday needs, like food, clothing and shelter, difficult.
Each Christmas kettle location is organized and managed by a local Salvation Army unit. The funds raised stay in the community in which they were donated.
Each year, The Salvation Army is grateful for the support of thousands of kettle workers (bell ringers).
They welcome people from all cultures, faiths and lifestyles. Typically, a single kettle shift lasts 2 hours, and are all indoor locations.
Click HERE to register.
There will be a kick-off at Hillcrest Mall on Friday, December 2nd at 4 pm.
