Canadians Increased Giving by 9% in 2000, Report Says

Canadians who file tax returns increased their giving by 9 percent in 2000, according to a new report by Canada’s central statistics agency.

In addition, the number of people who reported that they made charitable donations rose from 5.4 million to 5.5 million in 2000. On average, one in four taxpayers gave to nonprofit groups.

The survey found that total charitable donations by Canadians in 2000 grew four times as fast as the number of donors.

The survey also found that older people gave more than young ones. The average amount given by people 45 to 54 was $637, while people over 65 made an average donation of $827.

Over all, the median donation in Canada was $121 in 2000, up 2.8 percent from 1999.

The statistics office cautions that because of the way the Canadian tax system works, allowing people to carry forward deductions for up to five years after they make a gift, the donations counted for 2000 could include money contributed in prior years.

For more information, contact Statistics Canada, 120 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0T6; (800) 263-1136; http://www.statcan.ca