The many faces of giving - and receiving - in Canada
An uncertain economy threatens to send already dwindling charitable donations from an aging base of givers into permanent decline. For the country's charities, it is an undeniable crisis - but also a moment of unprecedented opportunity.
Edward Czarnecti, eating his lunch at The Good Neighbors Club in Toronto on Oct. 26, 2011, is one of the 300 people who are given daily meals at the agency that receives funds from the United Way.Fernando Morales/The Globe and Mail
Volunteers take part in games that help motivate and encourage team-building in "The War Room" at the United Way's headquarters in Toronto on Oct. 26, 2011.Kevin Van Paassen
Susan McIsaac is head of the United Way of Greater Toronto, which has one of the largest annual fundraising drives in North America.Tim Fraser
Elizabeth Marshall, right, tutors Hunter Harris, seven, in Calgary, Alta., on Oct. 27, 2011.
Andrew Anastasovski, 31, is assisted by employment consultant Quoc Phan, right, on Oct. 18, 2011, while preparing his resume at one of the five ACCES Employment locations in the Greater Toronto Area.Peter Power/The Globe and Mail
Allison Pond is executive director of the ACCES Employment locations in the Greater Toronto Area. The agency _ funded by government as well as private institutions _ serves about 15,000 clients each year.Peter Power/The Globe and Mail