Covid-19 health crisis prompts three quarters of the public to donate this Christmas

Three quarters of the public are to donate to local charities this Christmas due to the Covid-19 crisis, a survey has revealed.

Among 14,000 surveyed, 72% said they have been spurred on by the pandemic to donate to a local cause during the festive period.

In addition, 84% of those surveyed said that the health crisis had made it more important than ever to support local charities.

The findings have been released by insurer Ecclesiastical to help promote its 12 Days of Giving campaign. This sees 120 different charities nominated by the public to receive £1,000. Ten winners will be announced each weekday from 7 to 22 December.

It’s research found that animal charities are the most popular cause voted by the public, with health organisations and community initiatives also mentioned prominently.

Ecclesiastical chief executive Mark Hews said: “It’s incredibly humbling to see that more of us than ever before intend to make a donation to a good cause this Christmas, despite the difficult year that most of us have faced personally.

“Our annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign will help charities change lives for the better and we know that for many charities, £1,000 can make a real difference. We’re encouraging everyone to nominate a cause close to their hearts this Christmas to be in for a chance to win a festive financial boost.”

Last month Ecclesiastical research found that 12% of charities expect their reserves to run out within three months and 17% have set a six-month deadline before their reserves are depleted.

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