Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are living up to their reputation by being among the best charitable donors in the country. According to recent information released by Statistics Canada, the amount of donations made by the people of this province in 2006 grew by nearly 14 per cent, compared to the national average of 8.3 per cent. That places the province in third place behind Alberta with an increase of 15.5 per cent and Yukon at 15.2 per cent.

"Often we hear anecdotal comments about how wonderful Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are in supporting charities financially and in volunteering their time to help out those in need," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-profit Sector. "It is certainly gratifying to hear that this is backed up by statistics."

The information released November 1 by Statistics Canada also indicated Newfoundlanders and Labradorians donated on average $330, compared to the national average of $250, just behind Nunavut at $450 and Prince Edward Island at $350. Furthermore, the number of people who claimed charitable donations on their income tax returns in 2006 dropped in all provinces and territories � except in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We have a very strong sense of giving and a very strong sense of volunteerism in this province � evident by the fact that we have 187,000 active volunteers," said Minister Hedderson. "That is why our government has acted on our pledge to give the voluntary and non-profit sector a strong voice within our administration. I look forward to working with community organizations in the volunteer sector to strengthen our relationship and to identify ways we can further co-operate and collaborate in our shared goal to help our fellow citizens."

-30-

Media contact:
Ken Morrissey
Director of Communications (Acting)
Volunteer and Non-profit Sector
709-729-6985
kenmorrissey@gov.nl.ca