Consumer attitudes toward charity ’shifting’

Disasters such as the Asian tsunami and the earthquake in Pakistan have made British consumers more willing to donate money to charity, with contributions made on plastic increasing substantially in recent years, according to UK payments association Apacs.

Following the tidal wave in Asia in December 2004, over £100 million was donated on credit and debit cards.

Similarly, in October 2005, following the earthquake in Pakistan, some £45 million was given to charity on cards.

In January 2006, average donations per card were up £6.73, or eight per cent, for credit cards and £5.68 (16 per cent) for debit cards.

Sandra Quinn, Apacs director of communications, said: "Whatever the charity, more and more of us turn to our plastic to show our support – whether that’s through direct giving or by taking out an affinity card to give a little every time we spend."

According to Apacs, a total of £67.8 million was donated in June 2006 alone.