2 hens and a rooster a hot gift? Charities enjoy upswing in downturn
Last Updated: Monday, December 22, 2008 | 12:23 PM ET
CBC News
Many cash-crunched Canadians are tucking charity pledge cards in stockings this year, with some organizations reporting significant increases despite the economic downturn.
'Although Canadians are tightening their belt right now, they're not tightwads.'—Dirk Booy, World Vision Canada
Donations to Yuleanthropy, a charity which funds social programs in Kenya, have doubled this year, according to spokesman Ted Grant.
"I'm really delighted and heartened by the response that we are getting from people," he said.
Similarly, World Vision Canada also reports its Gift Catalogue — in which consumers can give gifts of livestock, medicine, and school supplies to people in developing countries — is proving to be immensely popular.
"You can buy two hens and a rooster for $55," said spokesman Dirk Booy. "Although Canadians are tightening their belt right now, they're not tightwads."
CBC Toronto's Sounds of the Season fundraising event for the Daily Bread Food Bank has exceeded previous targets, this year raising $250,000 and about 3,855 kg of food. Last year the event raised $140,000 and 3,175 kg of non-perishable items.
But some charities are still expressing need. The Salvation Army, for example, said on Saturday it is $600,000 short of reaching its $2.5 million goal.
Toronto-based psychologist Doug Saunders says in hard times Canadians have a history of coming together and supporting each other.
"Canadian culture has always had a sense of we take care of each other," he said. "It's part of … our government and kinds of programs that we've developed over the years, that social safety net we talk about."
Claude Turcotte, a volunteer at a Toronto Mission, said volunteering is especially significant this year. Turcotte will spend Christmas serving dinner to families in need.
"It's even more important this year because of the economic downturn," he said. "A lot of people are suffering. I've met some people here today who have lost their job this month."
