Kettle Volunteering Boosts Confidence for Introvert

Grant was a self-diagnosed introvert who was anxious about meeting people. For years, this kept him from volunteering. Today, he has overcome his introversion through volunteering at a Salvation Army Christmas kettle and feels good that he is helping his community in a practical way.

“Interacting with people was always hard for me,” says Grant. “When I started to volunteer at the Army’s kettle in Bowmanville, Ont., speaking to others got a little bit easier.”

A recipient himself of The Salvation Army’s services, Grant is grateful to come alongside them and help struggling people.

“When I started to volunteer at the Army’s kettle in Bowmanville, Ont., speaking to others got a little bit easier.”

“My parents were low-income,” says the 63-year-old. “At age 10, I recall waiting with them at a Salvation Army food bank. At the time, I didn’t understand what was happening. I just knew I was hungry and our cupboards were bare.”

Grant stands beside a kettle six days a week, sometimes up to eight hours a day. He says it’s important to be a good listener and has learned a lot about the work of The Salvation Army.

“And for me, this experience has boosted my confidence, which has been life-changing.”

“People tell me about situations such as how The Salvation Army saved them from a life of addiction or helped with meals after a disaster,” says Grant. “I’ve learned a lot about The Salvation Army from standing at the kettle.”

Hosted at more than 2,000 locations across Canada, our annual Christmas Kettle Campaign would not be possible without the thousands of kettle workers who volunteer their time.

“I enjoy saying, ‘Merry Christmas,’ ” says Grant. “It’s my way of encouraging people. And for me, this experience has boosted my confidence, which has been life-changing.”