CanadaHelps has published the findings from a new Ipsos poll that reveals 24% of Canadians (up from 22% last year) say they expect to need support from charitable services within the next six months to meet essential needs such as food, shelter, or health services – 42% of which are under the age of 35. The growing demand for charitable services is being fueled by the rising cost of living, which is cited in the poll as the main reason that 69% of those currently using charitable services are doing so for the first time. 

Rising Cost of Living is Fueling Demand for Charitable Services 

Among the 20% of Canadians currently using charitable services to meet essential needs, seven in 10 (69%) say this is the first time they have needed access to charitable services for necessities such as food and shelter. More than half (54%) say this is because of the rising cost of living, followed by a mental health issue (23%), or physical health issue (23%). Other reasons include lost employment (19%), providing caregiver support (17%), domestic violence (10%), fighting addiction (9%), or some other reasons (4%). 

More Canadians Planning to Give Less to Charity

The poll also reveals that compared to last year, Canadians are more likely to say they do not give financially to charities and less likely to say they will give the same amount this year as last year. 19% of Canadians say they will give less to charity this year, while 15% say they will give more. Giving increases among younger age groups, with 31% of those aged 18-34 saying they will give more to charities this year, compared to 13% of those aged 35-54 and only 6% of those aged 55+.