Spreading Joy, One Bell Ring at a Time

 

Every Christmas season in Hamilton, Salvation Army kettle volunteer Iona Dick is easy to find.

For the past 40 years, she has faithfully taken her place at a Christmas kettle at Limeridge Mall, ringing bells, smiling at everyone passing by, and raising funds to support The Salvation Army’s vital programs and services in the community.

“There’s nobody who helps more people than The Salvation Army. I always like to volunteer, and I always liked The Salvation Army,” Iona says.

Her late husband, Robert, who passed away five years ago, often accompanied her. During the 2024 Christmas Kettle season, she worked Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the mall.

“When I do the kettles, you should hear the people. They don’t have a mean word to say,” she says. “I love meeting people and seeing people. I will do anything I can do to help.”

Beyond kettle duty, Iona has also volunteered at The Salvation Army Meadowlands Community Church as a community food advisor, preparing healthy and delicious meals for anyone in need.

Her commitment to service doesn’t end there. She also gives her time to the local Royal Canadian Legion branch—selling poppies or helping serve meals—and says she plans to continue volunteering with The Salvation Army for as long as her health allows.

Iona encourages anyone with spare time to get involved and make a difference.

“I enjoy every minute of it,” she says.

Join Iona in giving back through The Salvation Army Christmas kettles or many other rewarding volunteer opportunities across Ontario. Visit https://salvationarmy.ca/volunteer/ to learn more.