Canadians giving more, survey says

Nov 23, 2012 | News

By Victoria Brown

With the holidays underway, 63 per cent of Canadians are planning on giving a charitable gift this year.
COURTESY OF WIKI COMMONS

With many holiday charity campaigns underway, Canadians are apparently digging deeper in their pockets to give back this season.

The number of Canadians who have ever given or received a charitable gift has risen from 59 per cent in 2011 to 73 per cent this year, according to a Harris interactive survey done for World Vision on Wednesday.

“The economy is doing a bit better, so people are feeling a little more comfortable in the way that they’re spending their money,” Marie Bettings, communications adviser for World Vision, told Humber News.

Bettings said she thinks the urge to give is apart of being a Canadian and said that even at a young age children participate in charities like the Terry Fox run.

“I think generosity and giving is really installed in us,” she said.

At the Salvation Army, Andrew Burditt told Humber News, donations have stayed consistent and he has seen them grow a little each year.

“Historically speaking, when there’s a recession or an economic downturn, people actually tend to support the Salvation Army a little bit more,” said Burditt. “Canadians know during difficult times their money will be well spent.”

While the global economy remains unstable, Burditt said Canada is only suffering a little bit so people are willing to still give.

Even after the discovery this week that almost 100,000 toys were stolen from the charity’s warehouse over a two-year period, Burditt said Canadians are still supportive of their Christmas campaign.

“Companies are stepping foreword to support us, and want to do their best to help with what has happened,” he said.

For the holidays, 63 per cent of Canadians are planning on giving a charitable gift this year, while the same percentage said there’s nothing they really want for this Christmas.

To donate toys or give a gift this season, Canadians are urged to seek out their favourite local charity, or visit http://www.salvationarmy.ca/locator/ to find the nearest chapter of the Salvation Army.