Charitable gifts are viewed by many as a meaningful option
The holiday season is a time for celebrating with friends and family and, for many, giving and receiving gifts. However, gift giving can be a source of stress. According to a recent survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of the Canadian Red Cross, nearly 30 per cent of holiday shopping is done at the last minute, and over half of Canadians worry those last-minute gifts they purchase will disappoint. While Canadians are feeling strapped for time for seasonal shopping, charitable gifts are becoming an increasingly popular option. Nearly sixty per cent of Canadians say they receive trinkets and traditional items like socks they'll never use, while sixty-four per cent would prefer to receive a charitable gift that would help someone else.
"Canadians are known to be generous and socially conscious, and we see this spirit emerge around the holiday season," says Ronan Ryan, Chief Development Officer, Canadian Red Cross. "Charitable gifts that the Red Cross offers at this time of year provide an opportunity to give back to causes that are uniquely meaningful to your loved ones. These gifts make a real difference in the lives of those in need, both here in Canada and around the world."
Additional survey findings reveal that Canadians are willing to "pay it forward" this time of year:
- Six in ten Canadians plan on donating to a charity or volunteering their time this holiday season.
- Nearly 60 per cent of Canadians agree that purchasing a charitable gift online is a convenient way to buy someone a present.
- Half of Canadians would be more likely to donate to a specific cause if they saw a friend or family posting on social media about giving to that charity.
Giving a Red Cross charitable gift this season will help ensure families and individuals affected by disaster receive vital support – our team is there to respond, 24 hours a day throughout the winter, and the year. Every gift, no matter how big or small, will help the Red Cross provide help and hope to someone when they need it most. Start your shopping this
Giving Tuesday, November 29, at
redcross.ca/yourgift.
About the Canadian Red Cross
Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 190 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies – the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and throughout the world.
For further information:
Canadian Red Cross English Media Line: 1-877-599-9602; Canadian Red Cross French Media Line: 1-888-418-9111