Newcomers to Canada and second-generation Canadians are highly motivated to support charitable causes, according to a new survey from Imagine Canada, Ethnicity Matters and a coalition of charities and nonprofits.
The study found the newcomers want to support their communities and help needy people.
Seventy-five per cent said giving is the right thing to do and 70 per cent instill these values in their children.
“The good news emerging from this research is that generosity is thriving in multicultural communities across Canada,” said Bruce MacDonald, president and chief executive officer of Imagine Canada.
“The experience of settling in a new country has given newcomers and second-generation Canadians a highly compassionate perspective on taking care of others.
“These groups are highly aware of the goodness created when people help each other,” he said.
The study found that the newcomer groups surveyed have the financial capacity to provide charities with nearly $1.7 billion a year in new funding.
The survey found that:
- On average, newcomers and second-generation Canadians donate $857 per year.
- 70 per cent believe even helping a little bit is always worthwhile
- 54 per cent would like to do more for charities by volunteering more of their time
