Do people donate to charities because they were raised to believe that one helps the needy? Do some donate because they themselves were raised poor and know what it’s like to have nothing and then have a neighbour or stranger give them something that not only nourishes their body but also their spirit? Do others give to charity because they read in the newspaper what a huge difference one person’s thoughtful gift can mean to someone else and their family? Do others give simply because they have so many blessings that they want to share in their good fortune?
We don’t know the answer, of course, but we do know that if it wasn’t for folks who think of others in need, this world would be a much colder place.
On page 3 of today’s paper, we have two stories that speak of needs not met. The Burnaby Christmas Bureau is down in certain toy donations this year, and that’s not a good thing.
The bureau is this city’s go-to charity for many things, and it may also be a telling barometer for generosity in the city.
The second story is about the homeless in the city.
We’ve written umpteen editorials on this subject before. The city under Mayor Derek Corrigan’s leadership is ideologically opposed to providing a permanent homeless shelter in Burnaby.
We get his reasoning. If other levels of government don’t pull their weight on these kinds of problems, why should cities shoulder the burden?
It’s a fair argument, but it doesn’t keep homeless people warm.
Burnaby’s neighbour, New Westminster, also believes that other governments haven’t met their responsibilities. But that doesn’t stop them from doing the right thing and trying to help the homeless.
A recent study by the Fraser Institute called Generosity in Canada and the United States: The 2016 Generosity Index, measures donations to registered charities claimed on personal income tax returns.
The study finds Canadians have sunk to a 10-year low in giving, according to tax returns. And, compared to Americans, we give less.
Now, the U.S. may allow for a broader range of declarable donations, but it’s still not a good sign.
Whether the “haves” simply feel that they don’t have enough to share with the “have-nots” or whether the “haves” simply don’t bother giving is a moot point.
When we give to others, it’s not just for them. It’s for us as well.
Our lives don’t get better with more stuff; they get better when we see the good that we can do in our neighbourhoods, our communities, our cities – and the world.
