The tradition of the Christmas Kettles began in San Francisco in 1891, introduced by Captain Joseph McFee. He was looking for a way to help provide meals to families in need, and strategically placed a pot at the Oakland ferry landing to catch the eye of people going to and from the Ferry Boats. Captain McFee asked the public to “keep the pot boiling” by making donations to help feed those in need. Shortly after in 1903 the first Salvation Army Kettle in Canada was established in Toronto.

Over 130 years later and the Kettle Campaign has become one of Canada’s largest and most recognized annual charity events, and The Salvation Army’s largest fundraising campaign. Since 1903, we have seen kettle campaign donations transform the lives of millions of Canadians. Not just Holiday meals, but providing food, clothing, help with medical and transportation costs, and hot meals at our Soup Kitchen.

The Salvation Army’s holiday fund-raising activities play a crucial role in sharing the spirit of the season with families in need. The Salvation Army does its best to ensure that Christmas is a time of hope and healing.