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Christmas Kettles

The Salvation Army is synonymous with the Christmas season because of the familiar sound of the ringing bells at the bright red kettle stands.

What is the origin of the Christmas Kettles?

A Salvation Army officer in San Francisco had resolved, in December of 1891, to provide a free Christmas dinner to the area's poor persons. But how would he pay for the food?

As he went about his daily tasks, the question stayed in his mind. Suddenly, his thoughts went back to his days as a sailor in Liverpool, England. On the stage landing he saw a large pot, called "Simpson's Pot" into which charitable donations were thrown by passers-by.

On the next morning, he secured permission from the authorities to place a similar pot at the Oakland ferry landing, at the foot of Market Street. No time was lost in securing the pot and placing it in a conspicuous position, so that it could be seen by all those going to and from the ferryboats. In addition, a brass urn was placed on a stand in the waiting room for the same purpose. Thus, Captain Joseph McFee launched a tradition that has spread throughout the world.

Everywhere, public contributions to the kettles enable The Salvation Army to bring the spirit of Christmas to those who would otherwise be forgotten - to the aged and lonely, the ill, the inmates of jails and other institutions, the poor and unfortunate. Kettles have changed since the first utilitarian cauldron set up in San Francisco. But, behind it all, though, is the same Salvation Army message, "Sharing is Caring."

What does the Greater Victoria Kettle Campaign do for our less fortunate?

The Victoria Community & Family Services Centre provides help to more than 30,000 people during the holiday season and throughout the year. Some of these services are:

• Providing over 1400 special Christmas feasts during the holiday season
• Distributing more than 6000 toys and gifts to area needy children
• Providing emergency assistance to over 18,000 individuals
• Offering professional counselling and therapy to 1500 people.

When do the bells begin to ring?

Traditionally, the kettle campaign begins in late November and concludes on Christmas Eve. Shoppers will not hear the bells ringing on Sunday.

Who rings bells?

The Christmas kettles are staffed by individual volunteers, members of service clubs, church groups, and Salvation Army officers and soldiers.

Additionally, The Salvation Army believes in helping those who seek assistance during the holiday season. If any of these individuals are capable of working, they are placed at kettles as paid seasonal employees. Retailers sometimes offer these individuals a full time job in their companies because they have observed a dedicated and caring person at their particular kettle stand.

If you would like to be a holiday volunteer bell ringer, please send an e-mail to our Kettle Campaign coordinator by clicking here.