How The Kettle Society started…
When the Riverview Hospital downsized in 1970, many people living with mild to severe mental health issues were left without resources and support in the community. In response to this, a group of 20 individuals prepared a brief addressing the need to develop a support service for people who were, or had been, receiving psychiatric treatment in the community.
The mandate of this group was to provide support as a complement to existing treatment facilities by attempting to enrich lives, broaden personal and social horizons, and encourage participation in community life. Since 1976, the contributions of hundreds of members, board of directors, staff, volunteers, and community partners helped to create The Kettle Society.
- 1976
The Kettle is formed
The Kettle is formed
January 23, 1976 - 1977
First Centre opened at 944 Commercial Drive
First Centre opened at 944 Commercial Drive
January 23, 1977 - 1988
Centre moved to 1993 Commercial Drive
Centre moved to 1993 Commercial Drive
January 23, 1988 - 1989
Kettle acquired four unstaffed homes to offer supportive housing
Kettle acquired four unstaffed homes to offer supportive housing
January 23, 1989 - 1994
Purchased a building for the new Centre (an old egg factory)
Purchased a building for the new Centre (an old egg factory)
January 23, 1994 - 1996
The new Drop-In Centre opened at 1725 Venables Street
The new Drop-In Centre opened at 1725 Venables Street
January 23, 1996 - 1997
Opened Peggy’s Place, Canada’s first 10-bed transition home for women
Opened Peggy’s Place, Canada’s first 10-bed transition home for women
January 23, 1997http://www.thekettle.ca/what-we-do/supportive-housing/ - 2000
Homeless Outreach Program created
Homeless Outreach Program created
January 23, 2000 - 2001
Supported Employment program (SEED) created
Supported Employment program (SEED) created
January 23, 2001 - 2003
First Art Against Stigma art show
First Art Against Stigma art show
January 23, 2003 - 2008
First Kettle Camping Trip
First Kettle Camping Trip
January 23, 2008 - 2014
Kettle on Burrard opened
Kettle on Burrard opened
January 23, 2014 - 2016
The Kettle celebrates 40th anniversary
The Kettle celebrates 40th anniversary
January 23, 2016 - 2017
ID Bank opened
ID Bank opened
January 23, 2017 - 2018
Kettle Choir performs in first ever professional opera piece, Requiem for a Lost Girl
Kettle Choir performs in first ever professional opera piece, Requiem for a Lost Girl
January 23, 2018 - 2019
Kettle programs serve nearly 5,000 people, almost 26,000 meals annually, and provides support for over 400 housing units
Kettle programs serve nearly 5,000 people, almost 26,000 meals annually, and provides support for over 400 housing units
January 23, 2019
Why “The Kettle”?
The newly formed group of volunteers needed to come up with a name. While tea was being prepared, the members brainstormed, shouting out ideas. “Kettle!” Someone yelled, to indicate that the water was boiling on the stove.
After the ideas were gathered, the suggestions were read back. Much to everyone’s amusement, “Kettle” made the list. Upon further reflection, the volunteers realized that a kettle was the perfect symbol. In a culture where so much revolves around socializing over a cup of coffee or tea, it represented exactly what the group was about: friendship, caring, family, belonging, and sharing.
“Through The Kettle’s development, its core principles and philosophy haven’t changed. They’ve kept an ongoing commitment to the clients and the community it stands for..”
– SEED worker
Vulnerable people need our help.
COVID-19’s global outbreak has impacted all of our lives. It’s been devastating for each vulnerable person who doesn’t have a warm place to self-isolate, a safe place to sleep, family to support them or a hot meal.
Your compassion can transform the lives of people living with mental illness, substance use, poverty, and/or homelessness. Your support will provide life-changing services to people at their most vulnerable moments.
They need us now more than ever.
Please use the secure form below or connect with us via email at give@thekettle.ca to donate.
$35
provides new socks & blankets for five vulnerable people.
$240
or $20/per month
provides six healthcare workers with the goggles, disposable gown & mask they need.
$50
provides one month of free showers for one vulnerable person.
$500
or $42/per month
provides someone who is at-risk of homelessness with temporary accommodation.
$120
provides one day of food for thirty malnourished people
$1,500
or $125/per month
provides fifty hygiene kits (that provide vital necessities) for our homeless outreach.