Salvation Army asks Canadians to “give generously this holiday season”

The Salvation Army has launched its 2025 Christmas Kettle Campaign to mitigate the increasing cost of living, asking those who can to “give generously this holiday season.”

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The Salvation Army has launched its 2025 Christmas Kettle Campaign to mitigate the increasing cost of living, asking those who can to “give generously this holiday season.”

“Some of the stories we’re hearing across the country are heartbreaking,” said Lt-Colonel John Murray, the organization’s territorial communications secretary.

“Families are facing impossible choices every day—between paying rent or buying groceries, purchasing medication or putting gas in the car. At The Salvation Army, we’re here to help shoulder those burdens and offer both practical support and hope.”

The Salvation Army noted that seniors are particularly struggling this time of year, evidenced by a 3.6 per cent increase in their food bank visits.

The Christmas Kettle Campaign, which is already underway and will run through Christmas Eve, is one of “Canada’s largest and most recognized charitable fundraising efforts.”

“Donations made at kettles and online directly support local programs that provide food, clothing, shelter, meal and breakfast programs, substance-use recovery, care for women and children fleeing domestic violence, and other essentials to individuals and families in need throughout the year,” writes the organization.

“With a national fundraising goal of $22 million, every donation to any of the 2,000 kettle locations across the country remains in the community in which it was given to support local needs. Most kettle units across Canada offer a safe and simple tap-and-go payment option to donate.”

The Salvation Army received roughly 345,000 visits last year during the holidays, assisting those in need with toys and food hampers.

However, given the overall rise in visits this year, they expect even more over this holiday season than in 2024, saying that for many, the Christmas holidays are “a time of survival rather than one of celebration.”

“Every dollar dropped in a kettle helps change a life,” said Murray. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we not only provide immediate assistance but also help people rebuild their lives with dignity. Through job training, life-skills programs, and long-term supports, we’re helping Canadians find lasting hope and opportunity.”

The organization also expressed its gratitude for its thousands of volunteers, as well as its corporate partners, including Walmart Canada, Costco, Bell Media, Loblaw Companies Limited and Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s.

Data from Food Banks Canada in September revealed that a staggering one-in-four households now struggles with food insecurity, marking a 40 per cent increase in poverty over the last two years.

The charity released its 2025 Poverty Report Card, giving Canada an overall failing grade of “D.”

The report claims that the grade reflects the federal government’s efforts to reduce poverty.

“A clear picture that emerges from the data is the nationwide inadequacy of government support, which has worsened severely across the country,” reads the report.

“In 2023, just under half (45.9 per cent) of people who were receiving government support reported that it was not enough to meet their needs. In 2024, that figure rose to 50.8 per cent. It now stands at 65 per cent — or nearly two in three people who receive support”.

Donations to the 2025 Christmas Kettle Campaign can also be made at SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) and via mail to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, ON M4H 1P4.