Salvation Army kicks off Christmas Kettle Campaign

By Joan Janzen

Christmas is a time for giving, and what better way than to help the less fortunate by giving to a great organization like the Salvation Army, who has made it their mission to help those who are in need. Thursday, November 23rd marked the kickoff to The Salvation Army annual Christmas Kettle Campaign, at the Kindersley Walmart.

A kettle will be located there from Thursday to Saturday from noon until 6 p.m. each day until December 23rd, 2023. Jodi Geddes, who has been coordinating the kettles for 25 years, joined Kindersley’s Mayor, Rod Perkins at the kettle kickoff on Thursday.

Jodi Geddes, Christmas Kettle coordinator, along with Mayor Rod Perkins kicked off the Kettle Campaign at Walmart on Thursday, November 23rd. Photo by Joan Janzen

Mayor Perkins said he was honoured to be invited and congratulated the Salvation Army on their 2023 Christmas Kettle Campaign. “The Salvation Army plays an essential role in Kindersley and surrounding region, providing help for many who are often at their most vulnerable,” he said.

“This is not always easy work and it requires people who are highly skilled, compassionate and resourceful, able to respond calmly and thoughtfully in a crisis,” he added.

The mayor noted we often neglect to properly thank those individuals who are at the front line of helping others in need, or realize the challenges that they face.

The campaign raises over $10,000 locally each year, funds which stay in Kindersley and primarily go towards the purchase of Christmas items. All funds, over and above what is needed for the turkeys and hams, go to the Salvation Army Family Services Department to provide food, clothing, toys and shelter to those in need throughout the year. An official tax receipt will be provided if donations are enclosed in an envelope including your name and address.

Geddes provided a bit of history regarding the kettle campaign. It all started in 1891 when Captain Joseph McFee wanted to help the vulnerable in San Francisco, especially during the Christmas season, but didn’t know where to get funding.

He remembered his earlier days in Liverpool, England where he saw 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 St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1906.

Funds raised through donations made at Christmas kettles, together with other sources of funds, help provide direct, compassionate, hands-on services to 1.6 million people each year in Canada, restoring hope and dignity to those who might otherwise remain invisible in society.

“Thank you to all the employees and volunteers who assist with the Kindersley Salvation Army for your dedication and service to our region,” Mayor Perkins said. “The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign offers an opportunity for all of us to show our support for the work of the Salvation Army, and to join in this noble work of helping others.”

The kettle at Walmart is supervised by volunteers and groups. Geddes said many of the time slots have been filled, but there are still some slots available. Anyone interested in volunteering for a one or two-hour time slot can contact Geddes at 306-460-4740.

“I encourage everyone to give a few dollars or more if you are able, and to consider other ways that you may reach out to provide care and support for others this Christmas and throughout the year,” Mayor Perkins suggested.

Information in the above article was contributed by Jodi Geddes and Mayor Rod Perkins.