Why You Should Help Fill the Kettle This Holiday Season

Each Christmas, The Salvation Army relies on thousands of volunteers to help our kettle campaign. Ginger Braaten is one of our faithful volunteers who shares why she supports The Salvation Army.

“Salvation Army kettles are a part of my childhood. I remember Christmas shopping with my family and hearing the bells. Mom and Dad immediately reached for their wallets and would pass the bills to my sister and me to put in the kettle. There was always a warm smile on the face of the volunteer who was ringing those bells and a gracious, ‘Thank you, Merry Christmas’. I remember the sounds, sights and the feeling it gave me knowing our family had helped another.

“As an adult, I still love hearing those bells and the feeling it brings. Those bells mean Christmas, they mean giving, not just presents to each other but giving to those who deserve so much. When I volunteered on the kettle, I took two of my daughters with me and I felt so proud to have them stand beside me and give of themselves. They got to witness the true spirit of giving. We received many donations that day but more than that, we received so many kind smiles and words about The Salvation Army. One couple said, ‘Thank you for all of the good work that you do.’ Another commented, ‘Thank you for giving your time to do this.’

“I was so honored to receive donations on behalf of The Salvation Army but I was overwhelmed at the gifts I received by doing so. Giving of myself, with my daughters, gave me peace, pride and perspective. I’m looking forward to ringing those bells a few more times this Christmas season and I’m grateful that this opportunity has motivated me to continue serving my community on a regular basis. Thank you to The Salvation Army for all that you do!”

If you’d like to be a kettle volunteer, or to donate, visit SalvationArmy.ca/maritime