Here’s where Ontario cities ranked on list of Canada’s most generous places

The year wasn’t easy for Canadians as they faced tough economic times, but they still had it in their hearts to give back to those in need, according to GoFundMe Canada’s Most Generous Communities report for 2024.

The report highlighted that GoFundMe amassed $280 million in donations raised in Canada over the past year.

This was a sizeable 8 per cent increase from the $259 million raised over the same period in 2023.

Ved Khan, senior corporate affairs manager of GoFundMe Canada, told Daily Hive that this year’s results showed that despite economic difficulties, Canadians remained impassioned to give back and help others.

“Even in a dark time, when Canadians are grappling with rising costs of living, the light of their generosity shines through,” said Khan.

“Despite personal struggles, we remain committed to helping others. And how uplifting is that? This year’s campaigns are a testament to the enduring human spirit: a reminder that, in the face of adversity, the goodness of the human heart prevails.”

Which communities topped the GoFundMe list?

For the second year in a row, Victoria, BC, was named the most generous community in Canada, followed by North Vancouver.

St. John’s place third, followed by Vancouver, and Milton rounding out the top five cities.

According to GoFundMe, 19,500 donors from Victoria contributed to GoFundMe causes over the past year. With a population of nearly 92,000, that results in a per capita donation rate of 21.3 per cent or over one in five Victorians.

Here’s the complete list of GoFundMe’s top 20 most generous communities in Canada.

1. Victoria, British Columbia

2. North Vancouver, British Columbia

3. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

4. Vancouver, British Columbia

5. Milton, Ontario

6. Brampton, Ontario

7. Kelowna, British Columbia

8. Thunder Bay, Ontario

9. Moncton, New Brunswick

10. New Westminster, British Columbia

11. Guelph, Ontario

12. Whitby, Ontario

13. Prince George, British Columbia

14. Kitchener, Ontario

15. Regina, Saskatchewan

16. Calgary, Alberta

17. Pickering, Ontario

18. Waterloo, Ontario

19. Toronto, Ontario

20. Kamloops, British Columbia

Although the most generous communities spanned across the country, British Columbia and Ontario dominated the top-20 list this year.

“Communities in BC and Ontario are well represented in this year’s list, and the reasons behind their prominence are multifaceted. While factors like population density, economic status, and vulnerability to natural disasters all play a role, one key element stands out: an unwavering culture of philanthropy,” explained Khan.

“In both provinces, a deep-rooted commitment to giving back permeates communities, driving not only individual donations but also large-scale initiatives that support long-term social impact.”

Several campaigns stood out in 2024

Khan noted that this year’s top campaigns raised money for diverse causes like healthcare and helping families in need after a tragic loss.

He highlighted a campaign started by Halifax man Ryan Keeping that raised over $252,000 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The ultra-marathon runner said he was inspired by Terry Fox to run across Canada in under 100 days.

Nearly $200,000 was raised by Meagan Needles and Tyler Sonnenberg to support Sonnenberg after the sudden loss of his wife.

“Every GoFundMe campaign tells a unique story and is a testament to the power of community,” said Khan. “Each campaign, no matter how seemingly big or small, showcases the resilience and compassion that unites us.”