More Canadians expected to use charitable services, survey finds
Heading into the most giving time of the year, a new survey says more Canadians are expected to access their local charitable services.
The survey from IPSOS says 22 per cent of Canadians will turn to a charitable service for food, clothing, or shelter over the next six months.
"It is getting harder and harder to live," says Julie Chatelain, the volunteer coordination with NeighbourLink Fountain in Arnprior, which is a group that provides free meals and discounted clothing and home items.
"We've seen a 35 per cent increase of people coming through our resource department," Chatelain tells CTV News.
The reasons for the increased need of services include soaring inflation, rising interest rates, and the climbing cost of living.
"Right now we're probably seeing about 480 to 525 people a month and that number probably jumps closer to 750 in December," Mike Wright, president of the Renfrew Food Bank, recently told CTV News.
While this is generally the time of year that Canadians give most, many are scaling back their charitable donations.
The survey says 20 per cent of Canadians plan to give less than they did last year, while 13 per cent plan to give more.
"I think people are giving what they can and that's all we can ask," says Katie Clattenburg, who is with the Arnprior chapter of Teachers Against Poverty.
The charitable teachers group aims to provide necessities to local young families. Clattenburg says demand for their Christmas giving campaign is up compared to last year.
"Right now, we're sitting at 91 families with upwards of 280 children that are needing assistance this year," she says.
While donations may be down, Chatelain says those in need over the coming months should not hesitate to reach out.
"It is a bit of a worry but I know with our community they are very giving."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.