IPSOS Poll: COVID creates holiday havoc, but Canadians hopeful

• 87% hopeful their family can still celebrate a great holiday season this year
• 80% are optimistic that next year will be better than this year.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 1, 2020 /CNW/ - Canadians confirm that COVID will have a huge impact on holiday celebrations and traditions this year, but most remain optimistic about the future, according to a new IPSOS poll conducted on behalf of World Vision.

A young girl in Thailand learns about proper hand washing technique to prevent COVID-19 transmission - part of World Vision’s 70-country pandemic response which includes providing PPE, masks, hand sanitizer and hand washing stations to vulnerable communities around the world. (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)

The survey of Canadians released today on Giving Tuesday, December 1^st, also reveals that Canadian compassion for those less fortunate remains strong, 88% agreed we need to spend more time focusing on those who need help and 75% would rather receive a meaningful gift that helps others. However, their ability to lend their support, by giving or volunteering for charities has decreased significantly because of the COVID crunch.

"Financial and social pressures will likely reduce holiday shopping and gift giving," says Sean Simpson at IPSOS. "But Canadians are determined to make the most of the situation and most still feel hopeful and optimistic about the future. Encouragingly, the data shows that not much has changed in the past 5 years: despite changes in Presidents and Prime Ministers, shifting pop culture and the onset of a global pandemic, Canadians are just as likely as they were five years ago to highlight the holidays as a time for giving gifts to loved ones and helping those less fortunate."

"This is Canadian resilience in action," says Michael Messenger, President and CEO of World Vision Canada. "It's so encouraging that Canadian compassion for those less fortunate is stronger than ever, but we also know the pandemic has affected our ability to help others. For those who still have the means, please put that care into action for those who need it more than ever, here in Canada and around the world."

KEY POLL INSIGHT

• 80% will avoid in-person holiday events or gatherings this year
• 87% hopeful their family can still celebrate a great holiday season this year
• Nine in ten (88%) agree that we need to spend more time at Christmas focusing on those who need help
• 67% intend to give to charity over the holidays, -8 pts from 2019
• 75% of Canadians would prefer to receive a meaningful gift that would help someone else, rather than a traditional gift like clothes or electronics
• 80% are optimistic that next year will be better than this year.

MEDIA RESOURCES

• IPSOS poll link: HERE
• World Vision Gift Catalogue with meaningful gifts: HERE

ABOUT THE SURVEY
Ipsos poll conducted between October 30^th- November 2^nd, on behalf of World Vision Canada. For this survey, a sample of 1,003 Canadians aged 18 years and over was interviewed. Poll accurate to within ±3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

About World Vision
World Vision is a 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. For more information, visit worldvision.ca or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

SOURCE World Vision Canada

MEDIA CONTACTS: Joanne Legin, PR & Communications Officer, World Vision Canada,[email protected], m 416-738-7720