2010 iKettle Registration Starts November 10th!


What is an iKettle?

The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign began in 1891 in San Francisco and remains a vital part of The Salvation Army’s fundraising campaign. Throughout the Christmas season, supporters of The Salvation Army are encouraged to become a virtual bell-ringer by hosting their own online kettle. The iKettle is an easy to use online tool that allows participants to customize their own iKettle webpage and invite others via e-mail to donate to The Salvation Army. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.



What happens to the money raised?

For too many Canadians, the necessities of life needed for basic human dignity are out of reach. 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.

Funds raised through donations made at Christmas kettles, together with other sources of funds, help provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to 1.6 million people each year in Canada, restoring hope and dignity to those who might otherwise remain invisible in society.



Is there a registration fee to participate?

No. There is no registration fee to host a Salvation Army iKettle. We are very thankful for our online bell-ringers and more are always welcome.

How do people receive tax receipts for their iKettle donation?

The online system will automatically generate an official, government approved e-receipt accompanied by an e-mail thanking the donor for their generous support of the work of The Salvation Army. The process typically only takes a few minutes at which point the transaction is complete.



How difficult is it to raise money online?

It is extremely easy. Once you visit SalvationArmy.ca/ikettle, you simply follow the registration steps, customize your page with photos and/or video, then simply send out a few emails to your family, friends and coworkers explaining why you are giving hope today by hosting your own iKettle.

Those who choose to support your iKettle will be asked to make a secure online donation using their credit card or PayPal.

How do I send out emails? How do I get others to donate to The Salvation Army using my iKettle?

Simply click on ‘Sign up’ at SalvationArmy.ca/ikettle and follow the directions. There is also an instructional video located on the left-hand side of that page should you have any further questions. From there you can send out personal emails containing a link to your customized iKettle webpage inviting others to fill your iKettle.



I would like to send my invitations to help fill my iKettle. Can I use my own email account? (i.e. Yahoo!, Gmail, Lotus Notes or Outlook) 

Yes! If you prefer just send one email to yourself using the steps outlined above and then forward that email to everyone within your online address book using your own Yahoo!, Gmail, Lotus Notes or Outlook account.

After I send out my first e-mails or after I start receiving donations via my iKettle, can I send out more emails?

Absolutely. We encourage participants to send out as many messages as possible telling those you know about why you are supporting the work of The Salvation Army by hosting your own iKettle.



If I can’t log-in, forgot my Username or Password, what can I do?

If you’ve forgotten your Username, try checking the confirmation email we sent you when you registered to host an iKettle as it is in that email. If you can’t find your Confirmation email or need us to resend your Username, please contact us via email. If you’ve forgotten your Password, you can reset it yourself by going to our Start Page and clicking on the link just below the Login button. If you need additional Username and/or Password assistance, please contact us via email

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Should I send out my own thank-you every time a donation is made via my iKettle?

This is not necessary as an automatic thank-you email from you to each donor who makes an online donation via your iKettle will be sent. However, if you would like to send a personal note of thanks, please feel free.

Should I customize my own iKettle webpage?

This is completely optional but it may be fun for you to use your own image or video and write your own message so that others will immediately understand why you are hosting an iKettle.



What should I do if someone gives me cash or a cheque instead of contributing to my iKettle?

Please encourage them to donate via your iKettle, but if they prefer to only give by cash or cheque please ask them to send these gifts to The Salvation Army unit closest to them or mail them to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, ON M4H 1P4.