Swedes' generosity undented by recession
The economic downturn and rising unemployment figures have not dented Swedish support for charities according to new figures from the Swedish Fundraising Council (FRII) which show a sharp upturn in revenues.
Last year the country's ten largest charities received 100 million kronor ($14 million) more than in 2008, taking in a total of 2.8 billion kronor.
At the top of the Swedes' list of worthy causes was the UN children's fund, Unicef, followed by the national cancer research organization, Cancerfonden, with Save the Children (Rädda Barnen) in third place.
"I think Swedish people are still very generous and giving to good causes," Erik Zachrison, FRII chairman told Swedish public television news.
"It's become a bit of a lifestyle issue. People include plans to support good causes in their family budgets."
The Swedish Red Cross also saw increased donations, despite a recent corruption scandal.
"It did not seem to have an effect on the donation figures, which I think is heartening," said Zachrison.
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Last year the country's ten largest charities received 100 million kronor ($14 million) more than in 2008, taking in a total of 2.8 billion kronor.
At the top of the Swedes' list of worthy causes was the UN children's fund, Unicef, followed by the national cancer research organization, Cancerfonden, with Save the Children (Rädda Barnen) in third place.
"I think Swedish people are still very generous and giving to good causes," Erik Zachrison, FRII chairman told Swedish public television news.
"It's become a bit of a lifestyle issue. People include plans to support good causes in their family budgets."
The Swedish Red Cross also saw increased donations, despite a recent corruption scandal.
"It did not seem to have an effect on the donation figures, which I think is heartening," said Zachrison.
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