It’s an iconic image: a Salvation Army Christmas Kettle, staffed by a young woman in uniform, bonneted and demure, asking for donations for the needy.
The kettles have been part of the Salvation Army’s Christmas fundraising efforts ever since 1891, when donations tossed into a large kettle helped provide Christmas dinner to the needy in San Francisco.
Now, the annual Christmas Kettle campaign raises money for a wide range of social programs, providing shelter, food, mental health services and other programs, with all of the money raised within a community staying in that community.
On Friday, Bradford Lions, Salvation Army reps from Central York Region, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury council members and local businesses kicked off the annual Kettle Campaign in Bradford.
The Lions have become champions of the campaign. “Three years ago, I was introduced to this through the Bond Head Lions,” said Jamie Jones, First Vice District Governor A12. Although the Salvation Army describes itself as “a Christian organization that gives hope and support to vulnerable people,” Jones noted, “This is not about religion. All the money raised stays in this area… to help needy families.”
Salvation Army’s Community and Public Relations officer for Central York Region confirmed that services are non-denominational and “absolutely non-discriminatory” – provided to anyone in need.
“Kettle money stays within the community,” confirmed Harrison.
The Salvation Army has been active in Canada since 1882, and is now the largest non-governmental organization providing social services in Canada. The original ‘Sally Ann,’ founded in England by William Booth in 1865, was a ministry that offered basic schooling and assistance to those in need, running “reading rooms”, soup kitchens and shelters for the homeless.
The modern Salvation Army has built hospitals in major cities, operated Maple Leaf Clubs for servicemen and women during World War II, and now provides services – including long-term and palliative care, addiction support, Christmas assistance, school nutrition programs, shelter and hunger relief, life skills and mental health support – without regard to religious beliefs and affiliations.
That’s why the Bradford Lions have partnered in the campaign – launching a challenge that has been taken up by town staff: to provide the volunteers to fill as many of the Kettle Campaign shifts as possible, in Bradford.
The local Christmas Kettle Campaign kicked off at Bradford’s Walmart on November 16, and will launch at the Bradford LCBO starting on Dec. 1. The initiative launched by the Lions hopes to fill every 2-hour shift until the close of the campaign on December 24.
“If we fill the shifts of all the kettles, we’ll raise more,” said Jones, noting that there are nine kettles in Central York Region, in East Gwillimbury, Newmarket, Aurora and Bradford. “Of all the kettles, the ones in Bradford raise the most.”
As part of the launch, a challenge has gone out, for volunteers. “Your help with this project will make a huge difference in our ability to assist people in our community,” said Jones. Lions, including Leo Club members - the junior branch of the Lions - have been signing up.
“Hopefully we break the record this year,” said Deputy Mayor James Leduc, representing both the town and the Lions Club, of which he is a member.
To sign up for a shift see the website, or contact Lion Kathy Howitt at [email protected].
