CARDUS Work & Economics

The time has come to help the helpers, reports the Winnipeg Free Press.

"As the demand for their programs and services is skyrocketing, Canada’s charities and non-profit organizations are facing a bleak future."

Cardus has "called on the federal government to match all donations made to Canadian charities on a one-to-one basis for four months, capping the federal amount at $1.25 billion. When married with the donations made directly to charities, it would mean up to a $2.5-billion injection of cash to the charity sector."

During the first two months of pandemic lockdowns when the national economy came to a virtual halt, wealthier Canadians saved an estimated $5.3 billion.

Many Canadians have the capacity to give. They should do so. It would create jobs, increase the charities’ capacity to help and make that help more available to those who’ve fared the worst during the pandemic. And it would create a sense of social solidarity at a time of political polarization as Canadians stand shoulder to shoulder simply because they care for their neighbours.