Volunteer

Make a difference in your community by giving your time, skills, and compassion to help those in need.
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Volunteer with our Kettle campaign

Each Christmas season, volunteers make a difference by greeting donors at our Christmas Kettle locations. Every dollar collected supports local programs and services for those in need.

Apply if you’re new to volunteering, or sign in to the Salvation Army portal if you’re an existing volunteer to easily schedule your kettle shifts.

Join our community today!
Apply to become a volunteer today!
Are you an existing volunteer?
Sign in to The Salvation Army portal to easily schedule and manage your kettle shifts.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about volunteering with the Kettle Campaign.

  • What is the Christmas Kettle Campaign?

    The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign is our largest fundraising drive of the year and one of Canada’s largest and most recognizable annual charitable events. With more than 2,000 kettle locations across Canada, the kettle not only raises critical funds but boosts the Army’s visibility and promotes awareness.

    Since 1903, we have seen kettle campaign donations transform the lives of millions of Canadians, including helping them find a way out of poverty permanently.

  • How are the funds used?

    Funds raised through Christmas kettles, together with other sources of funds, help provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to 1.9 million vulnerable people each year in Canada. Each kettle location is organized and managed by a local Salvation Army unit. The funds raised stay in the community in which they were donated.

    • Our 2024 Kettle Campaign results

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    1,200+

    You can use this section to highlight important statistics from your latest Kettle Campaign, including total funds raised, volunteer hours contributed, and the overall impact on your community.

    85,000 CAD

    You can use this section to highlight important statistics from your latest Kettle Campaign, including total funds raised, volunteer hours contributed, and the overall impact on your community.

    450

    You can use this section to highlight important statistics from your latest Kettle Campaign, including total funds raised, volunteer hours contributed, and the overall impact on your community.

    Questions about Kettle? Contact us

    For questions or to learn more about Kettle opportunities, email us at email@salvationarmy.ca or call 543-235-9434.

    Why volunteer?

    Volunteering is a powerful way to serve others, support those in need, and strengthen our community. Whether you can commit regularly or help occasionally, your time and skills make a real difference. Join us in bringing hope and practical assistance to those who need it most.
    Volunteer wearing a Salvation Army apron packs food items into a box.
    Volunteers at Alberni Valley Ministries standing beside boxes of donated food inside the food bank, supporting sorting and distribution efforts.

    Volunteer with Alberni Valley Ministries

    It is hard to know where we would be without our volunteers. Whether they work five or fifteen hours a month, they bring a sense of care and dedication to whatever they do, filling a variety of roles in the Thrift Store, Food Bank and/or Bread of Life Centre.

    Here are some of the ways volunteers can help:

    • loading/unloading food from trucks
    • stocking the food bank
    • sorting and bagging produce
    • receiving/sorting/pricing in the donation depot
    • stocking Thrift Store shelves
    • food prep and serving at The Bread of Life Centre soup kitchen
    • assisting with visitation or janitorial at the shelter
    • lobby reception
    • assembling hampers
    • serving at special events
    Volunteer role
    This card can be used to provide a short overview of the role’s purpose, key responsibilities, and what volunteers can expect.
    Volunteer role
    This card can be used to provide a short overview of the role’s purpose, key responsibilities, and what volunteers can expect.
    Volunteer role
    This card can be used to provide a short overview of the role’s purpose, key responsibilities, and what volunteers can expect.
    Volunteer role
    This card can be used to provide a short overview of the role’s purpose, key responsibilities, and what volunteers can expect.
    Volunteer role
    This card can be used to provide a short overview of the role’s purpose, key responsibilities, and what volunteers can expect.
    Volunteer role
    This card can be used to provide a short overview of the role’s purpose, key responsibilities, and what volunteers can expect.

    Group volunteering

    Looking to volunteer as a group? Whether you are part of a workplace, school or community organization, we can help you find meaningful group volunteering opportunities. Submit a group application form to get started.

    Seasonal opportunities

    Get involved in special volunteer initiatives during the holiday season.

    Christmas Kettle Campaign

    Help raise funds for those in need by standing at one of our Christmas kettles.

    Santa Shuffle

    Help out at our festive fun run event—whether cheering on runners, managing booths, or handing out snacks, your support spreads holiday joy.

    Toy Mountain
    Assist in collecting, sorting, and distributing toys to ensure every child wakes up to a gift on Christmas.

    Additional ways to get involved

    Support our mission in creative and meaningful ways beyond traditional volunteering.

    Plant a row, feed a family

    If you love gardening, consider growing an extra row of fruits or vegetables in your garden to donate to our food bank. Every fresh, homegrown item helps provide nutritious meals to those in need.

    Use your talents for good

    Are you skilled in graphic design, photography, social media, or event planning? We welcome volunteers who can help spread awareness and support our programs in creative ways.

    Ready to get started?

    Fill out our volunteer application form to begin your journey.

    Already a volunteer?

    Sign in to the portal to browse and schedule your volunteer shifts.

    Ready to get started? Apply to volunteer

    Fill out our volunteer application form to begin your journey.

    Questions? Contact us

    For any questions about volunteering, email us at albernivalley.volunteer@salvationarmy.ca or drop by the Community and Family Services Office at 4835 Argyle Street, Port Alberni.