What is The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign?

The tradition of Salvation Army kettles began in San Francisco in 1891 with Captain Joseph McFee. Captain McFee was looking for a way to help provide meals to families in need and recalled the “Simpson’s pot” – a large pot used in Liverpool, England into which passers-by threw charitable donations. Captain McFee decided to place a similar pot at the Oakland ferry landing. By strategically placing the kettle, he was able to attract donations from those going to and from the ferry boats.

Now, over 130 years have passed and beyond providing Christmas dinners, the money raised at kettles is also used to provide clothing, shelter, food, toys, financial assistance and counselling year-round. The Salvation Army’s holiday fund-raising activities play a crucial role in sharing the spirit of the season with families in need. The Salvation Army does its best to ensure that no family goes without food, no child is without presents under the tree and that Christmas is a time of hope and healing.

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What is a bell ringer?

A Bell Ringer is someone who stands beside the iconic Salvation Army Christmas Kettle and receives donations from passers-by. They ring bells where permitted to subtly remind people of those in need at Christmas in our community.  Kettles in Kamloops are located in malls and outside retail stores from the 15^th of November to December 23^rd.

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To watch a video about being a bell ringer, click here.

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How will COVID impact this year’s Kettle Campaign?

We’re excited to say that this year we are able to return to a more “normal” Kettle experience, and will not be requiring you to be vaccinated or wear a mask while ringing the bells.

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We continue to encourage good hygiene and regular hand washing. As for wearing masks, that will remain a personal choice.

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Click here to return to the Main Kettles landing page.