Most Canadian companies kept the taps open on their sponsorships and charitable contributions following the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks last fall, a new survey says.
“Corporate Canada has definitely ‘stood tall’ during a difficult time emotionally and economically,” says Richard Irish, vice-president of corporate and community affairs for Investors Group, which conducted the survey with marketing research firm Market Probe Canada.
“In the immediate aftermath of the events of Sept. 11, many nonprofit and fund-raising spokespersons were predicting dire outcomes for their campaigns.
“Six months later . . . only 13 per cent of the executives surveyed have seen their donations budgets reduced for the current year.”
The survey questioned 200 individuals who work in community affairs or public relations at Canadian corporations with more than 500 employees.
A quarter of the respondents indicated the types of charities they supported had changed. Community and humanitarian charities such as the Red Cross, United Way, firefighters and other charities related to the attacks in New York received new support.
Those surveyed also indicated 71 per cent believed the events on Sept. 11 will not affect their community spending and sponsorship over the long term.
