Charitable activity has been part of civilized culture for almost as long as we have written records. The fact that it continues today is an indication of its importance in maintaining the bond that holds communities together. At last count, over 70,000 charities were officially registered in Canada. They had annual revenues of $90 billion—about the same as the entire economy of British Columbia. Over $12 billion of that income came from charitable donations —the rest coming from government, fees, investments, and other forms of revenue. As governments at all levels have reduced their role in funding charities over the last few years, individuals and businesses have become the recipients of more and more requests for donations. Whether it's by mail or by phone, through a friend or a co-worker, or on the way into the grocery store, the charities will find us. (excerpt from the document)