Some of you may be asking: Where does the money go? When did this campaign start? To find the answer to these questions and others, see the rest of the story...... What is the Christmas Kettle Campaign?
The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign is a fundraising effort that occurs each year during the Christmas season. Kettles are found in 2000 locations across Canada and are an opportunity for the public to donate whatever funds they can to support the work of The Salvation Army during the Christmas season and throughout the year.
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.
How difficult is it to donate online?
It is extremely easy. Once you visit filthekettle.com, you simply follow the steps, choose which kettle location you would like to support, and then make a secure donation using your credit card or PayPal.
How do people receive tax receipts for their online Kettle 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 does The Salvation Army determine where the funds raised will be used?
While Salvation Army Christmas kettles can be found all across Canada, and around the world, each Christmas kettle location is organized and managed by a local Salvation Army unit. The funds raised stay in the community in which they were donated and are used to support local Salvation Army programs for people in need.
What is the history of Salvation Army kettles?
In 1891, Captain Joseph McFee wanted to help the help the vulnerable in San Francisco, especially during the Christmas season, but he didn’t know where to get funding to do so. He remembered, during his earlier days in Liverpool, England, seeing a large kettle where passengers of boats that docked nearby were able to toss coins to help the poor. Captain McFee placed a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing, and encouraged the public to “Keep the Pot Boiling.” He collected enough to host a Christmas dinner for the poor.
The first time a kettle was used in Canada was in St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1906.
How can I volunteer my time on a kettle in my community?
Please contact your local Salvation Army facility to offer your services in support of the Christmas Kettle Campaign.