Most Canadians Plan on Giving to Charity this Holiday Season

Most Canadians are getting into the spirit of charitable giving as the holiday season approaches.

According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the World Vision charity organization, 63 percent of Canadians plan on giving to charity this year.

The survey also shows that over three quarter of Canadians (77 percent) prefer to receive a gift that would help someone in need instead of a traditional gift such as clothing or electronics.

World Vision says Canadians can use charitable gifts—a charitable donation made on behalf of the person it is gifted to—to help those in need around the world.

“We know that Canadians love to include charitable gifts in their holidays,” said Caroline Riseboro, vice president of marketing and communications for World Vision Canada.

“These presents highlight the meaning of the season, make a deeply thoughtful gift, and bring hope to children and families around the world.”

Gifts that can be given through World Vision range from domestic animals such as chicken and goats, to school and medical supplies, among others.

The survey shows a sharp increase in charitable gifts this year, with the number of Canadians who have ever given or received a charitable gift rising to 72 percent in 2012 from 59 percent in 2011.

This also marks the first year that Canadians surpassed Americans in giving and receiving more charitable gifts since the survey was started in both Canada and the U.S.

Over 70,000 Canadians spent more than $14 million on charitable gifts through World Vision last year.

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