Canadians continued to be generous to charities last year with donations the highest ever reported.

Statistics Canada says people who filed tax returns gave $6.9 billion to charities, up 6.3% from 2003.

As well, the number of people giving rose to 5.8 million, a 3.5% increase from a year earlier.

The agency says donations increased in all provinces and territories.

For tax filers reporting charitable gifts, the median donation was $230, up from $220 in 2003.

Among metropolitan areas, Abbotsford, B.C., reported the highest median donation at $540. Toronto was next with a median of $320, slightly ahead of Saskatoon at $310.

Across the country, about 25% of people who filed tax returns claimed charitable donations. Leading the way again was Manitoba where almost 29% of tax filers declared a donation. That was followed by Ontario at 28%.