Canadians make time for charity

Canadians’ generosity will be on display this year with 86% reporting that they’ll engage in some sort of charitable activity during the holiday season, shows a BMO Harris study.

Read: 4 tips for making smart donations

The study also revealed how Canadians intend to support various charitable causes during the months of November and December:

• 52% have already, or will be, donating money
• 49% have already, or will be, donating canned goods or a food basket
• 47% have already, or will be, donating clothing
• 23% have already, or will be, volunteering

The study also explored what percentage of Canadians donated to various charitable causes in 2013, the average amount they gave, and the sectors they supported. The study found:

• 77% donated to a charitable cause in the past 12 months (down from 79% in 2012).
• The average amount donated was $580 (up from $557 in 2012).

Read: Tax tips for giving to charity

The most popular causes Canadians supported in 2013 include:

• 63% health and medical
• 41% anti-poverty
• 23% religious
• 21% animal welfare
• 13% foreign aid

Regional Breakdown:

Read: Teach kids not to be greedy during holidays

Staff

The staff of Advisor.ca have been covering news for financial advisors since 1998.