Dedication and Compassion is at the Heart of Every Kettle Shift

For three decades, Walter Burch, a dedicated member of Northridge Community Church in Aurora, has been a familiar and welcoming face during The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle campaign.

Inspired by the spirit of support and caring demonstrated by his fellow churchgoers, Walter began volunteering to help those facing impossible choices.

“I could see the need, I understood the purpose and always had the greatest admiration for (parishioners),” Walter says. “I could see something was missing in my life.”

Since then, Walter has braved all kinds of weather, dedicating countless hours to support The Salvation Army’s mission. For him, kettle duty is about more than collecting donations—it’s the meaningful conversations with donors that keep him coming back.

“One year, a woman gave $100, then returned twice more to donate the same amount,” he recalls. “She said our discussions about the Army’s work had touched her heart.”

Another memorable moment came when a father of five handed each child a dollar to donate, saying, “We don’t have much, but I want my kids to understand the value of giving. The Army helped us when we needed it.”

For Walter, the rewards of volunteering are deeply personal.

“The stories I hear about how The Salvation Army has helped people are humbling,” he says. “It’s self-satisfaction knowing I’m helping people who are in desperate need.”

With his enduring passion and commitment, Walter embodies The Salvation Army’s values of hope, service, and dignity for everyone. You can bring hope to your community by signing up to volunteer at www.salvationarmy.ca/volunteer.