Generous Aussies turn to donations
Charitable donations are replacing presents, writes Anthony Keane
DONATING to charity is replacing traditional gift giving as Australians look to spread festive cheer to those less fortunate than themselves.
But it’s not just handing over cash for a good cause – there are other ways to help, say charity specialists.
Almost half of Australians say they will donate money to a charity this Christmas, according to a new report by social research group McCrindle.
It found 28 per cent are likely to donate money as a present for a family member or friend, but only 48 per cent would be happy to receive a card saying a donation was made instead of their present.
Social researcher Mark McCrindle said Australians were increasingly replacing gifts “for those who have it all” with charitable donations.
“It seems that we have hit peak consumption,” he said.
“There is a recognition that Christmas can’t just be the high tide of consumerism and so we’re seeing a return to its deeper meaning of community, connection, giving and good will.”
Breast Cancer Network Australia CEO Kirsten Pilatti said Christmas was the secondbusiest time of the year for donations, after the end of financial year tax-deduction rush. “We see a spike in donations around Christmas as people reflect on the year and embrace the spirit of giving,” she said.
“However, it is also a busy time of the year with many options for people to donate to, from the school Christmas food drives to the Wishing Tree programs, to the worthy charities doing great work to support people over Christmas.”
Ms Pilatti said most people understood that donations over $2 allowed them to claim a tax deduction.
“Only monetary donations are deductible,” she said.
“What a lot of people don’t realise is that fundraising is not tax deductible, and neither is donating a product or gift in kind.
“A donor can only claim a tax deduction for donations to organisations that have
Deductible Gift Recipient status.” This can be checked on the Australian Business Register website.
Giving your time to help others is another great way to help, and Volunteering Australia CEO Adrienne Picone said this had benefits for everyone. “Volunteering is associated with better mental health, happiness and a greater sense of self-worth,” she said. Ms Picone said people interested in volunteering could visit the national database of opportunitie s at govolunteer. com.au or check with their state’s peak volunteering body. “Christmas can be a great time to volunteer, however, volunteer roles can fill up early and organisations may already have volunteers that they work with on a regular basis,” she said.
“Why not make a New Year’s resolution to volunteer more in the coming year?”
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