The charitable values of Canadians run deeper than we might think, according to a new national survey sponsored by Mackenzie Investments.

The survey found that 87% of Canadians believe charitable giving is an important value to instill in their children, and a further 86% say they talk to their children about charity or “giving back” to society.

“Canadians are grooming the next generation of philanthropists,” says Brad Offman, vp, strategic philanthropy for Mackenzie Investments. Offman is also the author of “The Charity Glove”, a new children’s book designed to teach Canadian children about the value of charitable giving.

The research also found that nearly two-thirds (63%) of those who had a discussion about charitable giving with their children, had that talk when the child was five years of age or younger. Seventy per cent of women said the same, versus 55% of men.

A recent Statistics Canada report on donations actually showed that Canadians gave a record $8.5 billion to charity last year, but the number of donors is declining. “The fact that so many parents are talking to their kids about philanthropy is a promising sign,” adds Offman. “We’re entering a new era of giving in Canada that will hopefully see more donors and dollars in the future.”

“The Charity Glove” was created to give Canadians a tool to speak to their young children about giving. One of the only children’s books on charitable giving in Canada, the target age is approximately four to eight years old.

“You don’t have to be a millionaire to be charitable,” said Offman. “The positive thing about a book like this is that it instills the value of being charitable at a young age, versus focusing on a dollar amount. Teaching the behaviour today will create a more supporting and giving society for generations to come.”

“The Charity Glove” is available from Mackenzie for free, and can be requested through financial advisor.

More information on charitable giving and the Mackenzie Charitable Giving Fund can be found at www.mackenziefinancial.com/giving.