Canadian Generosity

Here are some numbers from Statistics Canada, as reported by CBC National tonight:

* Canadians donated $8.19 billion to charities in 2008 — a 5.3 per cent drop from the previous year — as the recession led people to contribute a little less to good causes.

* It was the lowest annual donation figure since 2005's $7.9 billion.

* Median charitable tax claim is $250

* Volunteer work are excluded.