International Day of Charity: Highlights from the Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participation

On June 23, 2025, Statistics Canada published results from the 2023 Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participation. For the charitable and volunteer sector, the last few years have been characterized by unprecedented challenges. These data provide insights on the participation in volunteer activities and the experience of volunteers and donors.

Today, as we observe the International Day of Charity, these findings take on even greater significance. They offer a nuanced look at how Canadians continue to demonstrate resilience and generosity despite shifting trends in volunteering and giving.

Highlights of the published results:

• In 2023, the overall volunteering rate decreased 8% from 2018. In addition, around three in four people (73%) volunteered in 2023 and dedicated an average of 173 hours to volunteering, down 33 hours from 2018.
• In 2023, the total number of hours of formal volunteering fell considerably in hospitals (47%), sports and recreation (-34%), education and research (-30%) and religious organizations (-23%) from 2018.
• Participation in informal volunteering fell from 74% in 2018 to 66% in 2023. This decline is due in part to fewer volunteers participating in improving the community (-19%). Compared with 2018, the decline in the number of these volunteers was much bigger than the drop in the number of volunteers who helped others directly (-3%).
• Although the number of donors fell from 2018 to 2023, the total value of donations made to charitable and non-profit organizations in 2023 was roughly the same as in 2018. There were fewer big donors in 2023, but the total value of their donations ($9.5 billion) did not fall sharply.

While the 2023 Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating reveals shifts in volunteering rates and donation patterns, it also underscores the enduring commitment of Canadians to supporting causes they believe in. 

As we celebrate the International Day of Charity, these findings remind us of the collective impact we can achieve when we come together to make a difference. In the spirit of this global day of giving, we encourage everyone to explore ways to contribute to their communities. Whether through volunteering, donating or simply spreading awareness, every effort matters and helps to build a more compassionate world.