Canada sees record jump in charitable gifts

New poll shows Canadians are giving and getting more charitable presents than ever

TORONTO, Nov. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - If Canadians get what they want this year, Santa will be helping a lot of people around the world. Although charitable gifts have been around for more than a decade, 2012 shows a sharp increase in the number of Canadians who have ever given or received a charitable gift - a charitable donation made on someone else's behalf,  given to them as a present. A new poll conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of World Vision indicates 72 per cent of Canadians have ever given or received a charitable gift, up from 59 per cent in 2011.

The survey also highlights that more than three quarters of Canadians (77 per cent) would prefer to receive a meaningful gift that would help someone else instead of a traditional gift like clothing or electronics- but only about a quarter of Canadians (24 percent) have ever received a charitable gift as a holiday present.

"We know that Canadians love to include charitable gifts in their holidays," says 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."

Survey results also indicate that:

• 68 per cent of Canadians have ever given a charitable gift, up from 55 per cent in 2011
• For the first time since this survey was conducted in both the United States and Canada, Canadians are giving and receiving more charitable gifts than Americans (72 per cent Canada and 66 per cent US in 2012 versus 59 per cent Canada and 73 per cent US in 2011)
• About one in three Canadians have given a charitable gift for the holidays
• 63 per cent of Canadians plan on giving to charity this holiday season
• 63 per cent of Canadians say there is nothing they really need for the holidays this year

World Vision Gifts is the leading Canadian source of charity gifts. With more than 60 options available, there is a present for everyone on your list. All gifts are requested by communities around the world as a way to tangibly help children and families. Popular presents include tangible donations of Two Hens and a Rooster, Goats, School Supplies and Medical Supplies.  Last year more than 70,000 Canadians purchased almost 200,000 presents worth more than $14 million through World Vision Gifts. Visit www.worldvision.ca/gifts or call 1-800-844-7993 to find out more or purchase a gift.

About the 2012 World Vision Holiday Giving Survey

This poll was conducted by telephone within the United States and Canada by Harris Interactive on behalf of World Vision, Inc. between November 9 and November 13, 2012 among 1,012 U.S. adults ages 18+ and between November 8 and November 12, 2012 among 1,000 Canadian adults 18+.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

Video with caption: "Video: Canadian celebrity, Rick Campanelli, sees the impact charity gifts from World Vision have on the lives of Ecuadorian children and families". Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIfXfpm3WyU

Image with caption: "A new study reports almost three quarters of Canadians have given or received a charitable gift, a charitable donation which is given as a present, such as chickens from World Vision Gifts (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121122_C2463_PHOTO_EN_21044.jpg

Image with caption: "A new study reports almost three quarters of Canadians have given or received a charitable gift. World Vision Gifts is a popular source for these presents. (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121122_C2463_PHOTO_EN_21047.jpg

SOURCE: World Vision Canada