Pauline Latham OBE MP has welcomed the publication of research showing that the UK is the eighth most generous country in the world.
The World Giving Index – published by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) – ranks countries of world based upon three different ways of giving: donating money, volunteering, and helping a stranger. The UK ranks as the most generous nation in Europe, one place above Ireland but two places lower than in the 2015 index.
Overall, Myanmar was the most generous country in the world for the third year running. The United States was second, making it the most generous nation in the western world, followed by Australia.
69% of people in the UK donate to charity in a typical month, with a further 33% volunteering and 61% helping a stranger.
Pauline Latham OBE MP said: “It’s fantastic to see the UK named as the most generous country in Europe, although no surprise given the amount that people in Mid Derbyshire do to support good causes..
“People’s willingness to give what they can to help others embodies the very best of our society and provides the resources that allow charities to do so much good. Given our generosity and the difference that charities make on a daily basis it’s no surprise that our civil society is viewed so favourably around the world.”
John Low, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, said: “The generosity of people, even in countries suffering from disaster and turmoil, is truly humbling. In every country, people have this in-built desire to give and help others.
“Governments should encourage that spirit of generosity and create the environment in which a strong civil society can flourish allowing people to reach out to those less fortunate than themselves.”