THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Michael Holahan

By paNOW Staff

Holiday Season

Salvation Army seeking bell ringers for annual Christmas Kettle Campaign

Dec 6, 2025 | 2:28 PM

The Salvation Army in Prince Albert is asking for volunteers this holiday season for their annual Christmas Kettle Campaign.

This year is the 135th installment of the campaign and it is one of Canada’s largest and most recognized charitable fundraising efforts, helping provide essentials and some holiday cheer to the less fortunate in our community and across the nation.

“We provide toys to families, we provide clothing, we provide shelter, we provide meals throughout the year, and the funds from this campaign will help fund some of that stuff,” explained Major Ed Dean.

The unmistakable red kettles are set up at businesses throughout the city, where volunteers ring a set of Christmas bells and passersby are asked to make a donation. Some of the businesses with kettles this year include Superstore, Walmart, Save On Foods, Safeway, and various Lake Country Co-op stores.

Dean said that it doesn’t need to be just one person manning a kettle at a time, adding he’d love to see more youth ringing those bells.

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“These volunteers could be a family, it could be a singing group, it may be an organization or a company. We put out the challenge to the public sector. We know that some of them are stepping up and saying, ‘You know what? I think that’s something we could do’.”

“I would love to see more children involved,” he continued. “That’s one thing we don’t see a lot of involvement in our community at Christmas time, is the children. And the children do a wonderful job. I was watching two young men, one of our first days that the kettles were out, and they did such an amazing job. They greeted people, they were happy and people respected them, and they were willing to give.”

Locally, this year’s goal is $100,000 while nationally, the Salvation Army has a target of $22 million. In 2024, the organization’s community and family services saw a 3.6 per cent increase in services and support for seniors, highlighting the rising needs across Canada.

“Some of the stories we’re hearing across the country are heartbreaking,” says Lieut.-Colonel John Murray, the Salvation Army’s territorial secretary for communications. “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.”

Dean said the need is also prevalent in Prince Albert, adding over 700 toys were handed out to children in the city last Christmas.

“Our Optimist Club has been wonderful in helping to raise some of those toys throughout the 64 years. We are thankful for them, and that’s some of the things of Christmas.”

Those interested in volunteering at a Salvation Army Christmas Kettle this holiday season can do so by calling the organization at 306-763-6078, extension number 18.

The campaign runs until Dec. 24.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com