The red kettles are out for another season of giving.

The Christmas Kettle campaign officially launched on Thursday with the “Hope in the City Breakfast” at the St. John’s Convention Centre.

Premier Tony Wakeham and Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworth made the ceremonial first donation. The keynote speaker was Tareq Hadhad, the founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate.

Major Pam Goodyear of the Salvation Army notes that all contributions support people in the community where the donation is made.

“When people give to a Christmas Kettle, they are giving directly to someone in their own community.”