Figures from market research company ICM, compiled for international development charity World Emergency Relief, show that 90 per cent of givers plan to donate more or the same amount as they did last year. Health charities remain the most popular choice, with 75 per cent of the overall sample intending to donate. However, 80 per cent of 18-24 year-olds plan to support an international development charity.
"With recent interest rate hikes, we didn't have high hopes for Christmas donations," said Alex Haxton, director of operations at the charity. "The number of people planning on giving is a good indication that people are still willing to dig deep, despite economic pressures."
Many would-be donors appear to be motivated by a social conscience. A total of 35 per cent plan to support charities because they believe Christmas is too materialistic, while another 26 per cent will be making donations because they believe Christmas is a time for giving.
