Charitable donations jumped most in Alberta over decade, StatsCan says

Albertans' generosity increased more than people in other provinces between 2004 and 2013, according to a new Statistics Canada report measuring charitable giving in the country.

Donations by Albertans rose from $1.2 billion to $2.4 billion during that period a 100 per cent increase, the agency says in its reportCharitable giving by Individuals.

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Nationally, donations to charitable and non-profit groups rose 23 per cent from 2004, reaching $12.8 billion in 2014.

Donation totals in Ontario were unchanged during the period and decreased in New Brunswick.

"Donations by primary donors the10 per cent of individuals who donate the most money in a given year represented66 per cent of total donations in2013," the agency said in a release.

$1B increase in Alberta

"Specifically, in Alberta, the contribution made by primary donors increased almost by $1billion between 2004 and 2013, compared with an increase of $200 million for other donors."

The data reveals that donations tended to increase more in the provinces west of Ontario. Giving was up 54 per cent in Saskatchewan, 47 per cent in British Columbia and 48 per cent in Manitoba.

Canadians give the most money to religious organizations 41 per cent of all donations followed by health groups (13 per cent) and social services providers (12 per cent).

Donations to international organizations became more common during the decade studied, rising by 203 per cent, Statistics Canada says.

On the other hand, Canadians gave 22 per cent less to sports and recreation groups from 2004 to 2013.

• See theStatistics Canada's Charitable Giving in Canada report