6 Things about The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign
Every year, for more than 125 years, The Salvation Army kettle has become a familiar sight at Christmastime in more than 2,000 locations across Canada. Here is what you may not know about the annual campaign:
- Each Christmas kettle location is organized and managed by the local Salvation Army. Funds raised stay in the community where they are donated and are used to support programs and services for people in need and to help them find a way out of poverty.
- A Salvation Army Kettle App has been developed that enables donors to give to The Salvation Army through their mobile devices. The App allows donors to select a Christmas kettle in their community by scanning a QR code or by using an interactive map. Developed with the Royal Bank of Canada, the “Salvation Army Kettle App” can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- Each year, The Salvation Army relies on the support of numerous corporate partners, including Walmart Canada, Loblaw Companies Limited, Costco, BC Liquor Stores, LCBO (in Ontario), Canadian Tire, Cadillac Fairview, Metro, Safeway, Save-on-Foods, Sobeys, Bass Pro Shops, Krispy Kreme, and many more, who allow Christmas kettles to be placed at their stores.
- The history of the kettle dates back to 1891 where Captain Joseph McFee wanted to help the help the vulnerable in San Francisco, especially during the Christmas season. 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 Toronto in 1903.
- If you are unable to donate at an actual kettle you can make a secure donation online at FilltheKettle.com, select the kettle of your choice and receive an official tax receipt.
