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The Salvation Army Launches 129th Annual Christmas Kettle Campaign
The Salvation Army has officially launched the 2019 Christmas Kettle Campaign – the largest public fundraising drive of the year. Now in its 129th year, this vital annual fundraiser seeks donations from the public to help The Salvation Army assist millions of people living in poverty. With one in seven Canadians struggling to make ends meet, The Salvation Army relies on funds raised from the Kettle Campaign to feed, clothe, shelter and empower those in need.
With a national $21.6 million fundraising goal, the Christmas Kettle Campaign enables local Salvation Army units to provide practical assistance to individuals and families in 400 communities across Canada. Contributions also allow The Salvation Army to continue operating its life-changing programs, such as substance abuse recovery, housing supports, job and skills training, budget and education classes, which help people find a way out of poverty, permanently.
Every donation to the kettles remains in the community in which it was given, in order to help local people in need. Last year, The Salvation Army helped over 1.6 million people, providing 3.4 million free meals, assisting 261,000 with Christmas food hampers and toys and over 1.1 million with food, clothing or practical help.
“The Salvation Army believes that everyone needs an army – people need to know they are not alone in their struggles,” says Lt-Colonel John P. Murray, territorial secretary for communications. “For more than 135 years, and through the generosity of our donors and volunteers, The Salvation Army has restored hope and dignity to hundreds of thousands of Canadians.”
Hosted at more than 2,000 locations across Canada, the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign would not be possible without the thousands of kettle workers who volunteer their time. 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, and many more, who allow Christmas kettles to be placed at their stores.
In addition to accepting donations of cash or cheques, many kettle locations will also enable donors to give with their debit or credit cards through tap-and-go technology. Beyond donating to The Salvation Army’s physical Christmas kettles, FilltheKettle.com, a Salvation Army mobile site, will enable donors to give through their mobile devices or computers. Users of FilltheKettle.com can also host their own online kettle, encouraging their friends, family, neighbours and co-workers to donate. Donations can also be made at SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769).