With You Behind The Shield,
With the 2025 Christmas Season upon us, we need your help!
We are looking for individuals, and groups to volunteer as a Christmas Kettle Bell Ringer! As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to make a lasting impact. For over 135 years, The Salvation Army has provided hope and dignity to people in need through the generosity of our volunteers and donors.
Kettle volunteer at Walmart
The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Kettle Campaign – our largest fundraising drive of the year – seeks donations from the public to help assist millions of people living in poverty. The Kettle Campaign donations transform the lives of Canadians and help people find a way out of poverty permanently.
Without the help of volunteers we can’t raise these essential funds. By becoming a Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Volunteer you can help vulnerable Canadians in our community.
Please click the link below to volunteer with us or call our Kettle Coordinator at 306-527-7950
What Is a Christmas Kettle Volunteer?
A Christmas Kettle Volunteer is a community member who stands at an official Salvation Army Christmas Kettle location during the holiday season to help raise funds for families and individuals in need. Volunteers are the friendly, welcoming face of The Salvation Army. Their presence at the kettle plays a vital role in helping us support programs like community meals, emergency assistance, youth programs, school support, and Christmas food and toy hampers.
What Does a Kettle Volunteer Do?
1. Represent The Salvation Army with Warmth and Professionalism
Volunteers stand at the kettle with a friendly presence (Chairs are available for those who can’t stand). They greet shoppers, offer a warm smile, and create a positive experience. They help people feel comfortable and appreciated when they choose to give.
2. Encourage Generosity
Volunteers never pressure anyone to donate. Their role is simply to be present, be friendly, and make giving easy. Many volunteers say that people give more generously when they see someone standing there with kindness and gratitude.
3. Keep the Kettle Area Welcoming and Safe
Volunteers ensure the stand looks tidy and is positioned correctly. They keep an eye on the kettle to protect donations and notify the Kettle Coordinator if anything looks unusual. They do not handle the money; funds remain sealed inside the kettle.
Where Does the Money Go?
Every dollar donated at any of our Christmas Kettle locations stays right here in Regina to support local families and individuals.
1. Christmas Assistance for 1,500 Families
The first portion of kettle donations goes directly to our Christmas Assistance program. These funds help provide Grocery Gift Cards for registered families, giving them the dignity and flexibility to purchase a Christmas dinner or buy the foods that best meet their cultural, dietary, and family needs.
2. Year-Round Community Support
Any remaining donations support our ongoing programs throughout the year. This includes community meals, our food pantry, one-on-one casework, housing support and referrals, and emergency assistance for individuals and families facing crisis.
Where Are the Kettle Locations?
Our Christmas Kettles are placed in high-traffic locations across Regina where volunteers can connect with shoppers and raise funds that support local families. Each location partners with The Salvation Army to ensure a welcoming and visible space for the kettle stand.
Locations include:
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Walmart (Prince of Wales, Harbour Landing and Rochdale)
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Superstore (Prince of Wales, Golden Mile and Rochdale)
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Sobeys Rochdale
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Northgate Mall
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Southland Mall
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Cornwall Centre
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Canadian Tire Southland
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Costco (when available)
These locations provide steady foot traffic and strong community engagement, making each volunteer hour incredibly valuable.
The Salvation Army’s tradition of Christmas Kettles began in 1891 when Captain Joseph McFee of The Salvation Army in San Francisco set up a large pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing. He aimed to provide a free Christmas dinner to the area’s needy and wanted to inspire the community to contribute. This tradition has evolved into a global movement, including here in Canada.
During the holiday season, dedicated Salvation Army volunteers are stationed in busy public spaces, shopping centers, and stores, ringing bells beside the iconic red kettles. Passersby are encouraged to drop spare change or make a donation to help support the less fortunate in their community. The funds collected go towards providing food, shelter, and other essential services to individuals and families facing adversity.
The Salvation Army Christmas Kettles play a vital role in supporting communities across Canada. The funds raised help provide meals for the hungry, shelter for people experiencing homelessness, and assistance for families facing financial hardship. Additionally, the initiative contributes to various community programs, including after-school activities, addiction recovery services, and support for those experiencing crisis situations.
Our annual Kettle Campaign’s success relies heavily on volunteers’ dedication. Canadians from all walks of life come together during the holiday season to give their time and show their support.
In recent years, The Salvation Army has embraced technology to make it even easier for you to contribute. All Regina locations now accept contactless payments, allowing donors to contribute with a simple tap of their card or smartphone. This modernization ensures that the Christmas Kettles remain relevant and accessible in an increasingly cashless society.
The Salvation Army Christmas Kettles in Canada exemplify the true spirit of the holiday season – a time for giving, compassion, and community support. As you encounter those cheerful bell ringers and iconic red kettles, remember that your contribution, no matter how small, can significantly impact the lives of those in need. By supporting this timeless tradition, you are helping The Salvation Army bring joy and hope to communities across the country during the most beautiful time of the year.