In 2023, the British people displayed remarkable generosity by donating a staggering £13.9 billion (equivalent to Rs 1460 thousand crores) to charity, as per the latest report by Britain’s Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). The report highlights that even in some of the country’s most deprived areas, people were among the most generous donors. Despite facing challenges such as inflation and difficulty in accessing essential items, the spirit of giving has not waned; instead, it has seen an increase, with donations up by nine per cent compared to the previous year.
“Super Givers are more than twice as likely to be women, and most are aged over 45. Although many are retired or otherwise not working, more than two-fifths (43%) managed to fit in their support of charities around full-time employment,” read the report.
On average, each person donated approximately Rs 65 daily, amounting to around Rs 7,000 monthly, reflecting a substantial 40 per cent increase from the previous year. Notably, residents of Sheffield Hallam emerged as the most generous constituency, contributing 3.2 per cent of their income to charitable causes. Despite comprising middle-class or below-poverty-line families, they exhibited remarkable generosity. Conversely, the affluent residents of Kensington and Bayswater considered the wealthiest area of London, donated only 0.5 per cent of their household income, ranking second in terms of donations. Despite the area’s affluence, the level of charitable giving was relatively low.
The report also shed light on surprising trends, such as residents of resource-deprived cities like Belfast West in Northern Ireland, who donated 2.2 per cent of their household earnings to charity. In Belfast West, where more than a quarter of children live in poverty, the community displayed commendable generosity despite facing economic challenges.
However, despite the overall increase in donation amounts, there has been a decline in the number of donors. The percentage of people donating regularly decreased from 65 per cent in 2019 to less than 58 per cent last year. Analysts speculate that while the amount donated has increased, there has been a reduction in the number of individuals contributing regularly.
The report shows the resilience of the British people’s charitable spirit, even in the face of economic challenges. Despite varying income levels and economic circumstances, individuals across the country have continued to support charitable causes, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to helping those in need.
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