Jane Ricciardelli
Chief Operating Officer and Acting CEO CanadaHelps
CanadaHelps is Canada’s largest platform for donating and fundraising online. Over the last 22 years, CanadaHelps has raised more than $2.3 billion from more than 3.6 million Canadians.
Technology often gets a bad rap, especially regarding how tech giants are leveraging user data or potentially influencing the outcomes of elections. But technology can also be an incredible force for good, like when it’s used to easily and quickly incorporate charitable giving into your holiday plans.
All I want for Christmas is a charitable gift
New research conducted by CanadaHelps and Ipsos found that nearly half (47 per cent) of Canadians would prefer to receive a charitable gift over material gifts this holiday season. Forget the candles, mugs, or bottles of wine, and give them a Charity Gift Card through CanadaHelps, or send an eCard when you make a donation to their favourite charity. These are perfect ways to show teachers and coworkers your appreciation. Make your Secret Santa shopping easier than ever, and engage your friends and family in the joy of generosity. Charitable gifts are also environmentally friendly (do any of us really need more stuff at this point?), and you’ll get the added benefit of a charitable tax receipt!
Support young changemakers
If you have younger people in your life, you’ve probably seen their passion for social causes. From research conducted earlier this year outlined in our Giving Report, we found that climate change, mental health, and social justice are all top causes for younger generations. Generation Z and Millennials look to give back in many ways, including learning about and spreading the word about causes they care about, showing up to protests and in-person events, and making financial gifts. However, younger people’s ability to give is often limited by their financial resources, so giving to causes they care about on their behalf can be a meaningful gift.
Cause Funds group many charities working on the same cause together, similar to mutual funds but for charitable giving, making it easier than ever to support causes that young people care about. Powered by CanadaHelps, there are more than 30 different Cause Funds on UniteforChange.com, including the Black Solidarity Fund, Protect the Environment Fund, Animal Welfare Fund, Ukraine Emergency Relief Fund, and more. There’s a cause for everyone on your list on Unite for Change.
Monthly gifts support year-round impact
Monthly gifts provide predictable and critical funding for charities, which is particularly important during the current economic uncertainty facing all Canadians. Recurring gifts are also much easier to fit into your household budget and can be easily set up to come off your credit card or bank account each month or as a payroll deduction with some employers. Then, come tax time, you’ll appreciate the sizeable tax receipt you accumulated while knowing your regular generosity made a difference.
Visit CanadaHelps.org or UniteforChange.com to learn more about the change charities are making right now and to support their critical work this holiday season and all year round.
