Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Children from Kildare Place School singingfor the annual Black Santa Christmas charity. Wanderley Massafelli/Photocall Ireland
Charity begins at home

Ireland is the most charitable country in Europe

We came second in the world behind Australia and ahead of Canada.

OUT OF ALL the countries in Europe, Ireland has been named as the most charitable for the second year in a row and as the second most charitable nation in the world.

The report, published by the World Giving Index 2012, is based on three measures: giving money, volunteering time and helping a stranger.

The research reveals that 79 per cent of Irish people donate money to charity, an increase of 4 per cent on 2011 levels and 51 per cent higher than the global average.

Around 66 per cent of the Irish population helped a stranger in the previous month and 34 per cent of Irish people volunteer time each month, 16 per cent above the global average.

According to the study, Turkmenistan has the highest percentage of its population that volunteer time and Liberia came out top when it comes to helping a stranger.

Yvonne McKenna, CEO of Volunteer Ireland, said it’s in our nature:

The research highlights the remarkable generosity of spirit that continues to thrive in Ireland throughout difficult times. Connecting with people is something that is inherent to our culture in Ireland and this is reflected in the statistics.

Over 155,000 people were polled in 146 countries for the report.

Read: Anonymous donor leaves €2.5m to the Irish Cancer Society >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
35
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.