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Importance of Charitable Organization in Canada
3-22-2017
It is often mistakenly believed that charitable organizations and their volunteer activities are unimportant and of little consequence to a country’s economic system, but nothing could be further from the truth.
In reality, charitable activities make a vital contribution to the economic, social and political sectors of a nation.
In fact, the role of charitable organizations and volunteer work is no less important than the roles of the public and private sectors.
Charities provide essential services that positively impact the lives of citizens, such as building hospitals, schools, orphanages and religious centers.
Charitable and volunteer work is particularly relevant to this part of the world as charity lies at the heart of Islam. As Muslims, we believe that charitable works are just like exchanging trade with Almighty Allah. The Holy Qur’an says, “Who is he that will lend to Allah a goodly loan so that He may multiply it to him many times? And it is Allah that decreases or increases (your provisions), and unto Him you shall return.” Al-Bakara: 245. The human soul is very precious, and the Qur’an states, “Who saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind.” Therefore, we should encourage charitable work among our family and friends. This encompasses many activities, both big and small, including smiles, social services, caring for the elderly, the environment, animals and endowments for the sake of Allah. These activities must be an important part of our culture and included in the educational curriculums at all grade levels.
One local organization, The B.C. Muslim Association, since its inception in 1966, has made a vital contribution to British Columbia’s economy and fulfilling the needs of the Muslim community at large.
Small businesses are often touted as the backbone of Canada's economy.
What is the definition of a small business in Canada?
1 to 4 employees: Micro-enterprise
5 to 100: Small business
101 to 499: Medium-sized business
500-plus: Large business
(Source: Industry Canada)
The B.C. Muslim Association employs over 100 part and full time employees in British Columbia. It falls under definition a small business in Canada.
Key Facts about Canada’s Charities
Charities in Canada
· Canada’s charitable and nonprofit sector is the 2nd largest in the world; the Netherlands is the largest; the United States is the 5th
· there are an estimated 170,000 nonprofits and charities in Canada
· half of these (54%) are run entirely by volunteers
· 2 million people are employed by these organizations representing 11.1% of the economically active population
· the sector represents $106 billion or 8.1% of the GDP (larger than the automotive or manufacturing industries)
· smaller provinces have a higher number of organizations relative to their populations
· the top 1% of organizations command 60% of all revenues.
Give with confidence
The B.C. Muslim Association manages to raise and distribute funds most efficiently all while demonstrating best practices for good governance and transparency. Because let's face it, most of us would prefer our hard-earned dollars go to charities that concentrate on their cause, rather than bloated institutions that soak up donations to support their own operation.
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