Seeing the Salvation Army’s red kettles set up at store fronts with their vital volunteers standing next to them, is always a sure sign that Christmas is just around the corner.
With 2,000 locations across Canada, the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign is a fundraising effort that occurs each year during the Christmas season. This year the drive began on Nov. 17, and kettles will be out until 7 p.m. on Dec. 23. It is 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. Last year the local Christmas Kettle campaign raised $98,231.90, and community ministries director Kim Maandag says this year the goal is $130,000.
“Our Christmas fundraising is imperative to being able to help folks in the Cowichan Valley each year. Without it, we would not be able to do what we do,” said Maandag.
Funds raised go towards providing the necessities of life for those in need such as food, clothing and shelter. Donations made at Christmas kettles, combined with other sources of funds, help provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to more than 1.9 million Canadians each year, restoring hope and dignity to those who might otherwise be invisible in our society. The Salvation Army works tirelessly year round and also hands out large food hampers and snack packs to those unhoused, and in need. They also assist with clothing, sleeping bags, mats, coats, shoes, socks throughout the year.
“Our Family Services gave out over $60,000 in gift cards last Christmas to singles, couples, small and large families,” said Maandag.
READ MORE: Christmas Kettle campaign underway in Cowichan
I’ve personally had the pleasure of working for the Salvation Army shelter and their care homes back in Winnipeg, but last week I had my first experience of strapping on the sleigh bell to ring for a good cause. While my feet felt cold, my heart felt warm as I made connections with those passing by. It was humbling to me to have so many thank me for giving my time, as they pushed bills of all colours, and coins in the kettle to make positive change in someone else’s life. After all, that is how this campaign first got started.
During the holiday season in 1891, Captain Joseph McFee wanted to help the vulnerable in San Francisco but didn’t know where to get the funding to do so. He recalled seeing a large kettle where passengers of boats that docked nearby were able to toss coins to help the poor during his earlier days in Liverpool, England. McFee placed a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing, and encouraged the public to ‘Keep the Pot Boiling’ and that first year collected enough to host a Christmas dinner for the poor. The first time a kettle was used in Canada was in Toronto in 1903.
Today, Salvation Army Christmas kettles can be found all across Canada, and around the world. While Maandag says they currently have 384 active volunteers, they still have 56 shifts this season yet to fill. For those who want to do a world of good at the kettle this year with bell in hand, email cowichanvalleykettles@salvationarmy.ca or call 250-732-8988 — the younger generation are always encouraged to take part.
“It is so important that young people understand the importance of the kettle,” said Maandag. “The Salvation Army does so much good in our community and other communities on Vancouver Island, Canada and around the world. As an organization, we just couldn’t do it without the funds raised from the kettles.”
Donations can also be easily made online by visiting fillthekettle.com. The Christmas Kettle campaign depends on volunteers to commit to a two hour shift in a myriad of locations. For the amount of time one might spend watching a movie, doing this valuable service is time well spent, and good for the soul.
“I hope that our volunteers get great satisfaction from knowing that by ‘ringing the bells’ they are taking an active part in helping those who may be struggling in their home area of Cowichan Valley,” said Maandag. “Secondly, I would love folks to think of this as a new Christmas tradition that they can do with family and friends. And lastly, but not least, I would want them to have fun! People dress up, sing, dance, play instruments as well as ring the bells and greet passersby. I hope that it is a wonderful experience for them all.”
