Our passion for social responsibility at DP World shows through our Community Kinship Program. With it, we seek to bring the attention of local businesses and individuals to incredible organizations that can benefit from donations, volunteer work or other types of assistance. We believe giving back through community involvement is critical to our success and the success of those we live and work with. We’d like to share the important work The Kettle Society is doing in our community.
What is The Kettle Society?
A local Vancouver charity, The Kettle Society supports people with mental illness and helps them live healthier lives. It serves more than 3,600 people and offers 26 different services while providing housing, employment, advocacy support, and works year-round to increase mental health awareness and reduce stigma.
For over 35 years The Kettle Society has focused on creating a holistic approach to wellness that integrates physical, mental and spiritual aspects of life. What makes its approach so special is its commitment to practical and non-judgmental harm reduction strategies.
All services provided by The Kettle Society are need-based, ranging from men’s and women’s support groups, life skills programs, art and music programs and more. The organization has 440 units of supported housing as well as a 10-bed specialized transition house for women. In addition, The Kettle operates a drop-in facility that provides free clothing, a tux shop and one hot meal a day to those in need.
How it Began
The organization was founded in 1976, when concerned community members recognized those receiving psychiatric treatment in the community needed additional support services.
A group of volunteers formed, and at one of the earliest meetings, while deliberating a name for the organization, a pot of tea brewing on the stove began to boil over. One volunteer shouted out, “Kettle!” and the name made the list. Not only was it catchy, it seemed to represent the idea of socializing with people, and the power that simply meeting with others for company and support (over coffee or tea if desired), can have on an individual’s well-being. That’s what The Kettle Society was and still is all about: bringing people together.
At first, The Kettle Society was just a store front that would serve soup once a week, now it serves 150 people daily. The majority of those served come through the main drop-in center, but many are also referred from local health authorities, including hospitals, social workers, welfare offices, family physicians and more.
In the Community
The Kettle Society is heavily ingrained locally. It partners with the Vancouver Opera, allowing those in the music program to exercise their talents by performing for the community. Also, there are many annual events and fundraisers that community members and businesses can get involved in. These include a dinner and dance party in January along with an annual camping trip.
In June, The Kettle hosts an annual fundraiser: The Kettle Making a Difference Gala.
Volunteer Opportunities and Getting Involved
There are many ways for businesses and individuals to help The Kettle Society. You can provide donations of money and/or materials. The Kettle is always in need of feminine hygiene products, clothing, blankets, socks and snacks. Handy volunteers can pitch in by helping with needed renovations and maintenance at its facilities. Administrative help is also welcome.
The Kettle has a full wish list available here.
Learn more about the Kettle Society by visiting their website. To stay updated on upcoming events and ways to help, like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.
For questions about how to get your business involved, contact Coreen Douglas at or 604-307-5611.