Holiday poll predicts Canadians will be more 'nice' than 'naughty' this year

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 5, 2015 /CNW/ - Canadians are frustrated with what they see as an overly commercial holiday season, according to a recent poll, and hope to do more this season to focus on the aspects of the holidays that matter most.

The annual Holiday trend poll, conducted by Ipsos Reid on behalf of the World Vision Gift Catalogue, shows a strong sentiment towards helping others. When asked about their plans this Christmas, 3 in 4 respondents said they would donate to charity (up from 70% in 2014) and almost half indicated they would spend time volunteering for a charitable organization.

Shying away from the more materialistic aspects of the season, 9 in 10 Canadians feel Christmas has become too commercial and only 9% of Canadians describe gift giving as key to the spirit of the holidays.

Quotes:
"Canadians say they are fed up with the commercialization and glitz of the holidays.  Helping others, including through charity, is an important factor in what they are hoping to accomplish this Christmas. To summarize what we are seeing, the holiday outlook is all about generosity and quality time with loved ones."

-Marisa Barber, Gift Catalogue director, World Vision Canada

Quick Facts:

• 3 in 4 Canadians are likely to give to charity this holiday season
• 89% of Canadians 'agree' that Christmas is becoming too commercial, and 88% 'agree' we need to spend more time at Christmas focusing on those who need help
• 76% of Canadians would rather receive a meaningful gift that would help someone in need versus a traditional gift like clothing or electronics (compared to 66% in 2014)
• Most Canadians agree that the holiday spirit is best defined by time spent with family 

Background Information:

For this survey 1,006 Canadians were surveyed by Ipsos Reid in October 2015. The poll is accurate to within +/ - 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, had all Canadian adults been polled.

What Canadians can do:

This Christmas, Canadians who want to spend more time with family, and help those in need, can start a holiday tradition that involves donating to charity. The World Vision Gift Catalogue has a great selection of meaningful charity gift ideas for everyone. For more information visit www.worldvision.ca/gifts.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca

SOURCE World Vision Canada

Image with caption: "A World Vision Gift Catalogue poll conducted by Ipsos Reid shows Canadians are intending to show their generosity and help others this Christmas. (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151105_C4647_PHOTO_EN_537953.jpg

For interviews or a complete copy of the survey and factum contact: Genevieve Barber - 416.671.0086 or [email protected]; Sarah Bartley - 905-565-6200 ext. 4054 or [email protected]