Jett Schwaier/CHAT News

By Jett Schwaier

IN THE COMMUNITY

Chief Secretary of Salvation Army Canada visits Medicine Hat during Christmas Kettle Campaign

Dec 22, 2025 | 5:07 PM

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory Chief Secretary, Colonel Margaret McLeod, was in Medicine Hat this week as the local Christmas Kettle Campaign closes in on its fundraising goal.

McLeod, who grew up in Medicine Hat, is supporting the campaign, highlighting the impact community donations have at the local level, and said it was meaningful to return home and see the continued generosity of residents.

“It’s really good, the campaign here in Medicine Hat is doing exceptionally well,” McLeod said.

“Across Canada, Salvation Army [is] striving to reach in our kettle campaign 22 million dollars nationally,” she added.

“This is a piece of the puzzle of what we’re trying to raise.”

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According to McLeod, the funds raised through local kettles stay in the community they are donated in, supporting programs and services throughout the year.

Local Salvation Army Major Corps Officer, Major Corey Vincent, who moved to Medicine Hat in July, said the campaign is critical to meeting growing needs in the community.

The Kettle Campaign has a fundraising goal of $130,000 this year, with more than $112,000 already raised as of Dec. 22, 2025.

Vincent said he is confident the goal will be surpassed, crediting the generosity and trust of the residents in Medicine Hat and Redcliff.

During last year’s Christmas season, the Salvation Army assisted 464 local families, providing food, toys and basic necessities.

McLeod said Medicine Hat has a long history of supporting the kettle campaign.

“As a little girl, I remember doing very similar types of things where we would see the kettles out, and we would hear the contributions of the Medicine Hat community,” McLeod said.

The kettle campaign began more than a century ago, according to McLeod and remains the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, with modern technology such as tap donations making it more accessible.

“Donations come to either the tap to donate or through the actual financial donations that are around all of the city,” McLeod said.

McLeod said seeing the impact of those donations firsthand reinforces the importance of giving, noting that contributions help ensure dignity, hope and practical support for those who need it most in Medicine Hat.

The Christmas Kettle Campaign continues at locations across the city as it heads into its final days.