A Kettle Volunteer’s Checklist

The Salvation Army’s iconic Christmas Kettle Campaign has been providing hope to Canadians since 1906, when a single kettle in St. John’s, N.L. sought to collect donations in support of neighbours in need. Today, as one of Canada’s largest charitable giving events, the Kettle Campaign raises funds in over 2,000 kettle locations across the country. These kettle locations are supported by our army of volunteers who come together to stand at kettles, providing a smile and simple “thank you” to our donors.

Would volunteering at a kettle this Christmas be a good fit for you? Take a look at this checklist to find out:

You enjoy hearing stories of hope:

While you’re busy thanking passersby for their donations, you will be surprised at the number of people who want to say “thank you” to you as a representative of The Salvation Army. Individuals who have been helped by The Salvation Army will often drop off kettle donations and share their reason for donating. Whether it’s a single mother who was provided shelter at The Salvation Army on her darkest day, or the daughter of a war veteran who was given food and hope on the front lines, you will find yourself uplifted by the stories of people who have endured hard times and have come out on the other side ready to give back.

You care about your community:

All funds raised at our kettles support the community in which they were raised. With each hour spent volunteering at a kettle, you could be providing meals, shelter, clothing, and other necessities to the very people walking past you. Your generosity will have a transformative influence on your community and on neighbours who may have nowhere else to turn.

You want to leave a lasting legacy and be a part of something bigger than yourself:

Kettles came to Canada in 1906 after The Salvation Army’s Captain Joseph McFee originated the idea in San Francisco all the way back in 1891. Today, you can find red kettles all around the world! When you stand at a kettle you are joining millions of volunteers, donors and employees of The Salvation Army who have given back to their communities throughout the years and into the present.

You care about helping others:

Have you faced hard times? Perhaps a loved one provided words of encouragement or practical support. Or maybe The Salvation Army was there for you! We all face difficult circumstances from time to time, and when you stand on a kettle you are supporting The Salvation Army in our mission of meeting human needs. Funds raised at each kettle support a wide variety of programming, which exist to provide dignity and practical support to those in need.

You want to experience Christmas cheer:

Christmas is all about giving, and here at The Salvation Army we’re grateful for each person who makes the decision to give of their time and resources throughout the Christmas season to support neighbours who need a helping hand. When you make the decision to support others, you’ll experience Christmas joy, which will last well into the new year! So bring out your best Christmas sweater and your biggest smile and sign up to be a kettle volunteer today!

Visit https://salvationarmy.ca/volunteer/ to apply to be a volunteer!