Salvation Army Kettle Campaign kicks off at B.C. legislature

Salvation Army representatives and MLAs gathered on the back steps of the B.C. legislature Thursday, ringing bells, for the official launch of the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign. (CTV)

Jingling bells are a telling sign that the holiday season is near.

Salvation Army representatives and MLAs gathered on the back steps of the B.C. legislature Thursday, ringing bells, for the official launch of the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign.

The bright red kettles will be on street corners, at shopping malls and outside grocery stores, for the Salvation Army’s biggest fundraising event of the year.

This year, the charity's goal is to raise $400,000 in the capital region and $3.5 million in B.C.

The organization says its needs are growing.

“There are so many people who are a paycheque or two away from needing the services that we provide,” says Sheldon Feener, the divisional secretary spokesperson for the Salvation Army in B.C.

“All the money that we raise locally stays local to feed, clothe and shelter; everything we do here in Victoria, that’s what our kettle program supports.”

Donations can be made in cash or through the convenient "tip-tap" feature at all Christmas Kettle locations.

“B.C. is leading the way across Canada in tip-tap donations,” says Feener. “It just goes to show the generosity of British Columbians and how they want to give back and support those who really need the help.”

With more than 2,000 kettle locations across Canada, the Christmas Kettle Campaign helps boost the Salvation Army’s visibility and awareness of its wide range of services and programs.

Along with donations, the Salvation Army still needs kettle host volunteers to ring the bells, greet people and take donations. 

“We really are looking for an army of givers, people who support what we do,” Feener says.

Donations can also be made online at the Salvation Army’s website.