CanadaHelps CEO Duke Chang shares why generosity matters now more than ever, and how small acts can spark big change.
What is generosity, and why is now the time we need to focus on it?
Generosity means giving with the intention of strengthening relationships, uplifting others, and building a more compassionate world. It includes offering your time, skills, attention, and empathy, whether that’s donating money, checking on a neighbour, or smiling at a stranger.
As Canadians, we’re known for being nice, but data shows we’re not as generous as we used to be. According to the 2025 World Giving Report, Canada has fallen from 11th to 39th place on the generosity scale in just one year.
At CanadaHelps, we believe generosity is the antidote to the uncertainty our society is facing today — from rising costs to loneliness and disconnection. When generosity grows, everyone benefits. By showing up for each other in big and small ways, we can build a more generous Canada where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
How can generosity help rebuild our sense of belonging and community?
Generosity strengthens our social fabric by fostering connection and shared purpose. The more we share, whether it’s our time, resources, or compassion, the more connected we become — and those connections spark even more generosity, building communities that are resilient and strong. Our 2024 Giving Report shows this clearly: 84 per cent of Canadians with many close friends donate to charity, compared with just 51 per cent of those with very few close friends.
At the same time, community connection is declining. Between 2013 and 2022, the number of Canadians with six or more close friends dropped by 40 per cent, and those who felt a very strong sense of belonging in their community fell by 12 per cent.
Research shows that regular, intentional generosity, rather than big one-off gestures, is what transforms well-being and strengthens communities over time. When generosity becomes a habit, we become more resilient, more connected, and more engaged in making positive change.
How can I start being generous today?
A great opportunity — GivingTuesday — is coming up on December 2nd. It’s a global day that encourages people to step away from consumerism and give back. It’s the perfect opportunity to start building a habit of generosity because the options to get involved are endless. Start by choosing one meaningful action you can sustain: sign up to volunteer, donate food or clothing, set up a monthly donation, or amplify a charity on social media. Even one small act can evolve into a long-lasting practice.
How can we inspire the next generation to be generous, too?
Generosity is learned, and children learn it best by watching adults. Ask the kids in your life what matters to them and then explore causes together on canadahelps.org. The CanadaHelps Generosity Hub, as well as our new children’s book, Violet’s Song, offer activities and ideas that help families practise generosity together. When kids grow up seeing generosity modelled consistently, its impact multiplies across generations.
What would it take to make Canada the most generous country in the world?
It starts with all of us making generosity a daily habit. A single act can make a difference, but when millions of us choose to give consistently, we shift our culture. When we all contribute in our own way, we build a Canada known not just for being nice, but for being truly generous.
Learn more and unlock your generosity by visiting canadahelps.org.
