The goal for the annual Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows this year is $100,000.
The Christmas Kettle Campaign is one of Canada’s largest and most recognizable ongoing charitable events.
Canada’s first kettle was used in St. John’s, Newfoundland, in 1906. Today, the familiar kettles and kettle workers, or bell ringers, are seen in more than 2,000 locations nationwide.
For 110 years the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign has been a great way for people to help others in need in their local community through the work of The Salvation Army.
In addition to the critical fundraising impact of the campaign, the Christmas Kettles boost the Army’s visibility and awareness, supporting its charitable programs that run year-round.
The campaign begins each year in November, with kettles are located in shopping malls and public places across the country. The donations are used to support the 1.9 million people who are cared for by The Salvation Army’s shelters, food banks and social services throughout the year.
For many Canadians, the Christmas Kettles are their only point of contact with The Salvation Army all year. According to public opinion polling, more than half of all Salvation Army donors list “giving to a Christmas Kettle” as their primary method of giving to The Salvation Army.
Furthermore, the Army relies on the co-operation of numerous retail partners to endure the ongoing success of this campaign. Continued goodwill from these retail partners is critical.
The Salvation Army is looking for kettle volunteers. Shifts are generally two hours in length, and are at various locations around the city. They will need about 150 volunteers, to fill 2,000 hours manning kettles in 12 different locations.
Kettle locations in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows:
• all three Save-on Foods locations in Maple Ridge;
• Superstore;
• Canadian Tire;
• Safeway;
• Walmart;
• Thrifty Foods;
• Valleyfair Mall London Drugs;
• B.C. Liquor Store at Meadowtown Centre;
• No Frills, beginning Dec. 15.
To volunteer, contact 604-463-8296, ext. 104. or email bellringer@saridgemeadows.com.