72 per cent of Canadians will make charitable donations this holiday season

This holiday season, Canadians are stuffing their stockings with more than gifts and indulgences – they're making a conscious effort to support charities that are important to them.

Scotiabank's 2008 Holiday Poll reveals that 72 per cent of Canadians are planning to make a personal donation to charity this holiday season. Despite uncertain economic times, this year's result is consistent with last year's finding of 73 per cent.

"At a time when some areas of charitable giving are declining, the continued generosity of individual Canadians is more important than ever before," said Malcolm Burrows, Scotia Trust head of Philanthropic Advisory Services. "It's heartening to see Canadians acknowledge and support the great work that charities do in our communities, especially around the holiday
season."

The holiday poll also found that women (52 per cent) are more likely than men (45 per cent) to say they will donate to charity this holiday season. Canadians who are 50 years or older are more likely to say they will give.

"Contributions to charitable organizations extend beyond writing a cheque and are important year-round. We applaud the countless volunteers who help empower community organizations throughout British Columbia, the Yukon and across the country," said David Poole, Scotiabank senior vice-president, B.C. and Yukon Region. "Supporting the organizations, the volunteers and the communities where we live and work is a commitment that Scotiabank shares and we encourage our employees to extend the spirit of community giving even further by volunteering their time and skills to support community causes important to them."

And the bank doesn’t just talk about giving. In British Columbia and the Yukon alone, Scotiabank supports over 15 of local community organizations and causes which reflect what is important to customers, employees and shareholders.