The Salvation Army 2018 Kettle Campaign

The Christmas Kettle tradition began in 1891 when Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee wanted to provide a free Christmas dinner to some of San Francisco’s poorest people. In order to raise the money Captain McFee placed a large crab pot on the dock of the busy Oakland ferry landing while a smaller brass urn was placed on a stand in the waiting room. He raised enough money to provide Christmas dinner to 1000 people.

Did you know? Emergency Disaster Services in Ottawa is funded entirely by the Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Kettle Campaign. EDS Ottawa deploys to disasters and emergencies 24/7. We provide victims, survivors and emergency personnel with immediate, on scene assistance with food, water, clothing, service referrals, and emotional and spiritual care – comfort in a time of crisis. Our EDS responds to over 100 calls annually.

Did you know? The Salvation Army Ottawa Citadel’s Nourish program includes a community garden which provides fresh vegetables to our clients in need. The garden is maintained by local students and members of the congregation.

Did you know? The Salvation Army in Ottawa sent 37 children to The Salvation Army summer camps in Ontario in 2018. Every summer the two camps (Jackson’s Point and Newport Adventure camp) are home to hundreds of youngsters, many of them kids who live in cities and may not otherwise have the opportunity to get out in the fresh air, meet new friends and learn new skills while having fun.

Did you know? In addition to providing meals to our clients, Community Meal Lines are offered every day of the year for breakfast and mid-afternoon meals – anyone (man, woman or child) who is hungry can enjoy a healthy meal. The Ottawa Booth Centre provides more than 16,500 meals every month.

Did you know? Through collaboration with more than 100 community partners, Bethany Hope Centre served 750 vulnerable children and youth last year (2017), almost doubling the number served in the last 5 years. The Bethany Hope Centre’s Nourish Family Food Share serves 160 families on a regular basis.

Ottawa Citadel Goal??? $60,000

Christmas Kettle Campaign Quick Facts   Over 35 Christmas Kettles in shopping areas all around the city. The Christmas Kettles are out from November 17 to December 24th 2018 All money raised by the campaign funds local programs. The annual campaign provides supports for over 20,000 people in Ottawa ever year. The Christmas Kettle Campaign helped The Salvation Army provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to more than 1.9 million people in our Canada and Bermuda territory in 2017. The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign collected over $23.1 million dollars nationally in 2017. To volunteer as a kettle attendant please call 613-241-1573 x 420 or visit http://salvationarmyottawa.ca/kettles