Most Canadians plan to give over the holidays

Close to nine in 10 Canadians will be engaged in charitable activity during the holiday season, according to a new report from BMO Harris Private Banking.

The study, "Canadians and Giving 2013," is based on an online survey of 1,023 Canadians ages 18 and older. Conducted by the research firm Pollara, the report reveals how Canadians intend to support charitable causes in November and December.

Among the study's findings:

• 52 percent have or will be donating money;
• 49 percent have or will be donating canned goods or a food basket;
• 47 percent have or will be donating clothing;
• 23 percent have or will be volunteering.

The study also explores what percentage of Canadians donated to charitable causes in 2013, the average amount they gave and the sectors they supported. The study finds that:

• 77 percent donated to a charitable cause in the past 12 months (down slightly from 79 percent in 2012);
• The average amount donated was $580 (up from $557 in 2012).

The most popular causes Canadians supported in 2013 included:

• Health and medical (63 percent);
• Anti-poverty (41 percent);
• Religious (23 percent);
• Animal welfare (21 percent);
• Foreign aid (13 percent).

The following is a break-down of charitable giving by region in Canada: