At the heart of Canada’s vibrant and diverse society lies a powerful force dedicated to improving lives and nurturing communities — the charitable sector. This collection of organizations drives dynamic and positive change across the country.
With more than 170,000 registered charities and non-profit organizations in Canada, this is a sector that touches every aspect of our lives, from health and education to environmental protection and social services. These organizations play a significant role shaping opportunities for a better world, and we are proud to belong to this innovative and impactful community.
Did you know that the charitable sector contributes nearly $200 billion in economic activity to the country every year? It accounts for more than 8% of our gross domestic product, employing more than 2.4 million people, most of whom are women.
Collectively, not-for-profits play a critical role in the well-being of individuals and communities. This is particularly the case here in BC where we have diverse populations that are spread across a vast geographic area, including many rural and remote communities. BC charities play an important role in strengthening and supporting our social fabric by addressing our unique needs, especially for Indigenous communities whose co-existence with the land and access to resources is a crucial element that helps people to thrive.
While Western Canada is known for its natural beauty, we face increasing threats including seasonal wildfires, resource limitations such as drought and water scarcity, and other impacts of climate change on key activities such as agriculture, including BC’s renowned wine industry. This is taking its toll on us all, affecting our livelihoods, health, and well-being.
This is why charities like ours matter.
Non-profit organizations serve as a backbone for local initiatives, providing essential services that help people in need. We are lifelines for many individuals and families across Canada, addressing urgent needs that might otherwise go unmet, and ensuring that all Canadians have access to the resources and opportunities they need to live their best lives. We also play a pivotal role supporting innovative and ground-breaking work that is driving change for us here, and around the world.
Together, our community of non-profits form an integrated response to the world around us, enhancing the vitality of our society, our collective health, and our environmental eco-system. In turn, this leads to stronger communities and more resilient and prosperous populations overall.
Empowering Innovation and Change
The charitable sector is a driver of innovation in Canada. Many charities and non-profits are at the cutting edge of developing new solutions to complex social and environmental problems. Whether it’s creating safe or sustainable food systems, advancing research initiatives, promoting new technologies, or translating ideas into action, our sector plays a pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of whatever is possible. By contributing to organizations like ours, you are not only supporting our current initiatives but also investing in long-term solutions that can transform lives and communities for generations to come.
Charitable organizations are also at the forefront of addressing social inequities in Canada. We stand up for equity-deserving groups who may experience poverty or unstable housing, manage multiple health conditions including poor mental health or substance use, or face other barriers accessing services because of their background or circumstances. Many charities, including ours, help to ensure that services remain available to those who need them most, regardless of their circumstances. Your donations directly contribute to these essential services, ensuring that people receive the support they need to overcome challenges and to thrive in their lives.
Advocacy and Awareness
Charities play a pivotal role in raising awareness about critical issues and advocating for meaningful change. We shine a spotlight on pressing social challenges and mobilize communities to take action. Your contributions help to amplify our voice, enabling us to reach policymakers, influence public opinion, and to drive progress on important causes that matter to us all.
We are truly fortunate to live and work in a collaborative, partnership-oriented setting in BC, that helps to enhance and promote the conditions and opportunities that make all this work possible. By supporting local organizations, you help us to nurture that culture of creativity and cooperation. This approach is essential for addressing the growing challenges of our time, and it makes for stronger outcomes. By investing in the charitable sector, you are investing in a future that is both more sustainable and more equitable.
We truly believe in the impact you can have when you support the charitable sector, which is why it is important for us to work together to foster a culture of giving.
A strong charitable sector inspires us all to get involved with creating and promoting change, whether through volunteering, donating, or advocacy. This collective effort can have a ripple effect, encouraging more people to take action and support the causes that matter to them. Those contributions are an investment in a better future for all, which creates a positive cycle where individuals feel empowered to make a difference and motivated to contribute to a common good.
We hope when you read this, you will feel inspired to have a conversation with the people in your life about the power of giving back. Collectively, our actions are a powerful and meaningful catalyst which, in today’s increasingly complex world, is a power worth preserving. Because support for the charitable sector matters deeply to people in Canada. The collective impact of donor contributions helps address immediate needs while advancing lasting social progress and fostering a more equitable and vibrant world. Together, we can build stronger communities, address social inequities, promote innovation, and foster a culture of giving that changes and saves lives.