Salvation Army launches Christmas Kettle Drive, promises greater community impact

As the Salvation Army kicked off its annual Christmas Kettle campaign — also known as the Red Kettle, businessman Nicholas Boyer, son of the President of the Salvation Army’s Advisory Board noted that this year’s event will do much more than collect donations.

At the launch on Friday at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown, Boyer emphasised that the campaign aims to have a greater impact, supporting vulnerable families, uplifting children, and restoring dignity to those facing hardship. Featuring secondary school choirs and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Steelband, the launch highlighted the organisation’s commitment to going beyond simple giving, emphasising a deeper, more meaningful impact this holiday season.
Businessman Nicholas Boyer, son of the President of the Salvation Army’s Advisory Board, spoke at the launch, highlighting the significance of the familiar red kettles that will appear across Georgetown and beyond this season.
“As we gather here today to launch the Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle campaign, we are reminded of the true spirit of the season — a spirit not defined by glitter or gifts, but by compassion and generosity,” Boyer said.
He added that for over a century, the red kettle has stood as a symbol of giving — a simple vessel that transforms coins and dollars into care, and small acts into a lasting impact. Boyer further emphasised that this year’s campaign will do much more than collect monetary funds. “This year, as the kettles appear across Georgetown and beyond, they will do more than collect donations. They will collect stories of persons who need a warm meal, of children who enjoy small gifts, of families who feel dignity in difficult times. These are not just seasonal gestures — they are lifelines.” He also praised the Salvation Army’s longstanding work in Guyana, noting its quiet but consistent service to the nation.
“The Salvation Army has long been a quiet force in our nation, serving without fanfare, responding without hesitation — whether through disaster relief, rehabilitation, or daily support for the vulnerable. Their work reflects the very best of who we are. But they cannot do it alone.” Boyer encouraged Guyanese to participate in the campaign wherever they encounter a kettle — on Regent Street, at markets, or in malls. “So today I invite every Guyanese… to pause, reflect, and give. Not just because it’s Christmas, but because we believe in lifting each other up. Because we know that when one of us rises, we all rise.”
In a heartfelt message of gratitude for volunteers, donors, and the Salvation Army team, he stated, “Let this campaign be a reminder that kindness is a powerful tool, that generosity is contagious, and that together, we can make this season brighter for thousands. To the volunteers, the bell ringers, the donors, and the tireless team of the Salvation Army — thank you. You’re the heartbeat of this movement. May this Christmas Kettle campaign ring loud with love and echo far beyond the holidays. Merry Christmas, and thank you very much.”