Many Indigenous communities in Canada are struggling to afford basic needs due to rising costs. According to a recent report from Statistics Canada, nearly half of First Nations people living off-reserve, along with a significant number of Métis and Inuit individuals, are finding it difficult to pay for essentials like food, housing, clothing, and transportation.

The Impact of Inflation

Over the past two years, prices in Canada have surged. The cost of everyday essentials has increased, making it much harder for many people to make ends meet. In particular, younger Indigenous adults (aged 25 to 44) are feeling the greatest impact, with many reporting that price increases have made it extremely challenging to cover basic expenses.

Food prices have been especially concerning. A large percentage of Indigenous people have said that higher costs are affecting their ability to buy nutritious food. Alarmingly, some individuals have even gone without food because they couldn’t afford it.

Why This Matters

Rising costs affect everyone, but Indigenous communities face unique challenges that make it even harder to cope. Many individuals already deal with barriers to employment, limited access to affordable housing, and geographic isolation that can make everyday goods more expensive.

Without additional support, these financial hardships can lead to long-term consequences, including poor health, increased stress, and fewer opportunities for economic stability.

How You Can Make a Difference

Compassion and generosity can go a long way in helping those who need it most. By supporting charities that provide assistance to Indigenous communities, you can help ensure that families have access to food, housing, education, and employment opportunities.

Consider donating to organizations that provide:

• Food assistance for families struggling with grocery costs
• Housing support to help individuals secure safe and stable living conditions
• Employment services that assist with job placement and training opportunities

If you’d like to support Indigenous communities directly, you can find charities that focus on these efforts here. Every donation, big or small, can make a real difference.

The Power of Community

When we come together to support one another, we build a stronger, more compassionate society. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, everyone has a role to play in uplifting those in need.

By taking action today, you can help Indigenous families navigate these financial challenges and build a better future. Let’s show kindness and support to those who need it most.

Great news for Canadians looking to make an impact! The Government of Canada has extended the deadline for claiming charitable donations from 2024 to February 28, 2025. This change gives donors extra time to support meaningful causes while also maximizing their tax benefits for the 2024 tax season.

Why the Deadline Extension?

The extension is designed to encourage generosity and offer more flexibility for Canadians. Whether your passion lies in assisting local food banks, supporting shelters, funding education programs, or backing environmental initiatives, this is an excellent opportunity to make a difference—and claim valuable tax credits in return.

This year’s extension is particularly helpful due to disruptions caused by the Canada Post strike, which delayed mail deliveries during the crucial holiday period. Many Canadians, juggling the holiday rush, now have the chance to finalize their contributions and support the causes they love without the pressure of a tight December 31 deadline.

What Does This Mean for You?

Donations made to eligible charities on or before February 28, 2025, can be claimed on your 2024 tax return. Essentially, Canadians receive an additional two months to give back while reducing their taxable income.

With Canadians donating billions to charities annually, the extension offers an opportunity for even greater community support. These funds can play a critical role in helping organizations address urgent challenges and drive lasting change across the country.

How to Take Advantage of This Opportunity

To make the most of this extension, start by identifying causes that resonate with you and researching registered charities that align with your values. Donations can be made in various ways, including online platforms, in-person visits, or by cheque—just remember to secure and keep donation receipts for tax purposes. It’s also a good idea to plan ahead and consult a financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance on how charitable giving can optimize your tax benefits. By taking these steps, you can ensure your contributions have maximum impact while helping you reap the available tax advantages.

Act Now

Don’t wait until the last minute! Use this extra time to start 2025 on a charitable note. To learn more, visit the Government of Canada’s official announcement or consult a financial advisor for personalized guidance. Be sure to check out our Find a Charity and Donate page to discover causes that resonate with you. Giving back has never been easier—or more rewarding!

For the eleventh year in a row, the number of Canadians making charitable donations has dropped, according to The Giving Report 2024 by CanadaHelps and Environics Analytics. This downward trend continues even as Canada’s population has surged past 40 million, thanks to record immigration. The paradox is striking: as the country grows and faces crises like inflation, housing challenges, food insecurity, and global environmental and geopolitical tensions, fewer Canadians are stepping forward to donate.

Between 2010 and 2021, the percentage of Canadians making donations fell from 23.4% to just 17.7%. Meanwhile, more than half (57%) of charities report being unable to meet the rising demand for their services, leaving one in five Canadians reliant on charities in 2023—a sobering statistic that speaks to the widening gap between need and capacity.

What’s Behind the Decline?

Despite Canadians’ vocal support for causes like healthcare, social services, and climate action, a key disconnect remains between intentions and actions. The report identifies multiple barriers to giving:

• Economic hardship: 45% of Canadians who stopped donating cite financial struggles as their primary reason.
• Doubts about impact: Many feel their small contributions won’t make a difference.
• Shifting priorities: Younger generations are more likely to volunteer or promote causes rather than donate financially.

Interestingly, generational trends also play a role. While Gen Z leads in volunteerism, Boomers remain the most reliable donors. However, even Boomers, historically the largest contributors, show signs of scaling back due to economic concerns.

“As Canada welcomes more immigrants and faces growing crises, you’d think charitable giving would increase,” says Kamarah Curling, founder of Charity-Help.ca. “Instead, we’re seeing a troubling gap between what Canadians say they value and their willingness—or ability—to act. Economic pressures are real, but even small contributions, monetary or otherwise, can have a big impact.”

One potential bright spot is the Government of Canada’s decision to extend the 2024 charitable donations deadline to February 28, 2025. This move aims to give taxpayers more time to donate, particularly as the busy holiday season often overshadows charitable giving. Historically, year-end appeals see a spike in donations; this extension could provide struggling charities with some much-needed support.

Bridging the Gap: A Call to Action

CharityAxess urges Canadians to take action today:

• Find a Charity: Discover causes that align with your passions and values.
• Access Services: If you need help, find charities offering food banks, shelters, and other support.
• Donate: Monetary contributions, clothing, furniture, and even your time can make a difference.

As challenges grow, so does the importance of collective effort. Visit CharityAxess to learn how you can make an impact, big or small, and help support Canada’s most vulnerable.