A Kettle Volunteer’s Commitment to Give Back

Sue Wendzina was introduced to The Salvation Army at a young age. After losing her father, Sue’s mother had to raise nine children alone. With vital support and food assistance, The Salvation Army assisted her family through challenging times.

“They helped us out a lot,” Sue shares.

As an adult, Sue never forgot about The Salvation Army. For more than 25 years, she has volunteered for the Christmas Kettle Campaign in Moose Jaw, Sask.

“I get enjoyment out of knowing I am helping The Salvation Army to help other people with needs during Christmastime. I also feel like I’m giving back for what I got as a child,” Sue adds.

“I get enjoyment out of knowing I am helping The Salvation Army.”

Sues commitment during kettle season is strong. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, she takes on kettle shifts four times a week and is always available to fill in for other volunteers. Aside from helping others, Sue loves the social aspect of volunteering. You will often find her at a kettle with long-time friend, Beverly.

“I love doing it because I get to meet a lot of nice people, and I get to see how much people are willing to give so that others can have things they wouldn’t ordinarily have during Christmas,” says Sue.

Sue adds that seeing children coming to the kettles fills her with joy.

“It opens your eyes and makes you realize that many people aren’t as fortunate.”

“Even little children come and put in a dime or a quarter and you get to see the grin on their faces. It teaches them to help other people.”

With so much experience as a volunteer, Sue says that throughout the years she has had the chance to hear heartwarming stories from donors who share how The Salvation Army has provided for them. Hearing that the donations are making a difference in people’s lives keeps Sue motivated to keep coming back each year.

“I plan to volunteer for as long as I can,” Sue says. “It changes your way of thinking. It opens your eyes and makes you realize that many people aren’t as fortunate.”

For the upcoming Christmas season, Sue hopes to see many new faces volunteering at the kettles, doing their part to make Christmas special for everyone in need.

“I think that people would get a lot of pleasure and joy out of volunteering,” Sue concludes.

By Juan Romero