Rural people are generous, according
to information released today by the Rural Ontario Institute.
Ninety per cent of them donate to
charities; 42 to 50 per cent volunteer.
“Volunteer participation is important
to the vitality of rural communities as it strengthens trust, solidarity and
reciprocity,” says Norman Ragetlie, director of policy and stakeholder
engagement for the institute.
“The non-profit sector has a
substantive impact on improving quality of life, health and well-being,” he
said.
Annual donations per donor averaged
$534 in 2013. The Canadian average for all people in 2010 was $460.
Health-related organizations, social
services and religious groups receive the highest number of donations and the
top reason donors make a contribution is their compassion towards people in
need.
“Charitable giving and voluntary
association is often used to indicate social capital, civic engagement and
social cohesion in communities,” said Ragetlie.
