MASTERCARD CANADA | Canadians Optimistic About Charitable Giving This Holiday Season

PRESS RELEASE


MASTERCARD CANADA | Canadians Optimistic About Charitable Giving This Holiday Season: "TORONTO, Nov. 24 /CNW/ - As Canadians anticipate a busy holiday season, MasterCard Canada today released the results of its Charitable Giving Poll. The research reveals good news for charities: more than half of Canadians (55%) report that over the last 12 months, the amount of money donated to charity has remained the same. These findings come on the heels of a recent report from Statistics Canada indicating that Canadians donated approximately five per cent less in 2008 than the year prior*. Despite continued economic turmoil, 2009 shows signs that Canadians remain committed to helping those in need. The Charitable Giving Poll also reveals that in fact, another 13 per cent report, contributions have increased in the last year. As holiday expenses build, one in five (18%) Canadians said they increased non-monetary donations in the past year, including volunteer and non-paid charitable work."