“Charities are a key part of our society and our economy. They are integral to our conception of what being Canadian means. In every community across the country, they deliver health, education and social services; they cater to our cultural, recreational and spiritual needs; and they work to protect animals and our natural environment. They provide opportunities for personal growth and community engagement; they offer established and regulated ways to fulfill our philanthropic goals; and they employ a significant proportion of the population. Although the money charities use to fulfill their missions comes from many sources – including government, business, and the sale of goods and services – almost all organizations rely to some extent on donations from individual Canadians.”
– 30 Years of Giving in Canada, Imagine Canada, 2018
Our social safety net is one of the very reasons that Canada is considered one of the best places in the world to live. According to Imagine Canada (formerly the Canadian Center for Philanthropy), Canadians give an average of $200 to charity every year. The top 4 reasons they give are:
- Compassion for a cause they personally believe in
- A desire to make a contribution to their community
- Belief in the cause of the organization
- They have been personally affected or know someone that has been personally affected by the cause the organization supports.
Canada, as it turns out, is a very generous country ranking third of 24 countries in their contributions to charity, measured as a percentage of GDP (Charities Aid Foundation, 2016). We are topped only by the United States and New Zealand. That’s something to be proud of! Ontario ranks third lowest of six regions of Canada for the number of donors, but second highest in average amount donated.
Clearly some of those generous donors want to support Haliburton County. We continue to be amazed and gratified at the outpouring of generosity of donors who support our Gifts from the Heart campaign. Families who are buying a “gift” for SIRCH as stocking stuffers. Businesses who are donating in the names of customers and staff. Parents who are making several small donations (and get getting gift cards from us) to give to their children’s teachers, instructors and coaches. People who have received our services and are paying it forward. And those of you who are opening your hearts and pocketbooks to help us level the playing field for those among us who are most vulnerable and/or experiencing difficult times.
We take your generosity seriously. We will spend your money wisely and on those most in need among us. We will create resilience and confidence with it. We will ensure every dollar stays in Haliburton County. We will treat every dollar with respect. That’s our promise to you.
-Gena Robertson, Executive Director, SIRCH Community Services