Efforts from corps, ministry units, community volunteers, thrift stores and supporters resulted in another successful Christmas kettle campaign. In 2022, The Salvation Army raised $21.8 million from divisions across the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Of this total, 98 National Recycling Operations thrift stores raised $341,265 from 76,000 donors who engaged in giving through their local stores. In addition, $2.3 million in donations were received through the tiptap function at the kettles, allowing donors to simply tap their debit or credit card rather than putting cash into the kettle. Last year, 201 corps and ministry units made use of this innovative function, attracting more than 240,000 total tap donations—21 percent of which were gifts of a $20 value, a generous individual kettle gift.

As inflation continues to directly affect the cost of groceries, fuel and housing, The Salvation Army has seen a 30 percent increase in families with children who need support. The funds raised through Christmas kettles will be distributed in the communities in which they were raised, directly benefiting the people who live there. 

“For at-risk people, this need doesn’t end with Christmas. The income we raise from Christmas kettles supports local programming throughout the year as well,” says Lt-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for communications.

“While the Christmas kettle is an iconic symbol of help and hope during the holiday season in Canada, it only happens thanks to the tireless efforts of officers, volunteers and staff,” continues Lt-Colonel Murray. “We are incredibly grateful for this support and for their commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army in the communities in which they serve.”

This story is from: