Supporting charities made Brits feel good in 2013

 Photo: Christian Today

Supporting a charity beat the birth of Prince George and sporting victories to be the most uplifting moment of 2013 for the nation, according to a new report from Oxfam. 

Some 70% of people surveyed by Research Now on behalf of Oxfam said supporting a charity was the thing that had boosted their spirits most in 2013.

This was far higher than the first decent British summer in years (62%), and Andy Murray's Wimbledon triumph (60%).

It also outdid Mo Farah's double gold win at the Athletics World Championships (52%).

The research was commissioned to mark the launch of Oxfam's new fundraising campaign; 'Lift Lives for Good', and respondents were not told that the research was being carried out on behalf of a charity.

The birth of the royal baby trailed by comparison, lifting the spirits of 46% of respondents, while Daft Punk's catchy "Get Lucky" was voted the most uplifting song of 2013.

Charitable giving featured again when people were asked what their most uplifting TV programme of 2013 was, with the most popular choice being Children in Need, chosen by 35% of respondents.

The Great British Bake Off and Strictly Come Dancing came a close second and third.

Putting our feet up may be nice every now and then but only 25% of respondents felt a well-earned holiday would give them a boost.

Predictions for uplifting events this year are the World Cup, although that may depend on England's performance.

Oxfam's Chief Executive Mark Goldring said: "This has been a big year for charitable giving especially with the unbelievable generosity of the British public in response to the recent typhoon in the Philippines.

"We are extremely heartened by the results of this survey, at a time when money is tight it's wonderful to see that people are getting a boost from helping others.

"We hope that our new fundraising campaign Lift Lives for Good with support of the adverts will show the public the far reaching effects which every donation to Oxfam can have."

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
After the elections, what next for Britain?
After the elections, what next for Britain?

If the two-party system is indeed dead, as both Zack Polanski and Nigel Farage claim, it’s because members of these two parties have failed, promoting ideologies that are alien to the British character, and serving their own interests, rather than those of the people.

Are we losing the ability to be still? ADHD, digital distraction and the spiritual battle for attention
Are we losing the ability to be still? ADHD, digital distraction and the spiritual battle for attention

What if modern life itself is making sustained attention, inner stillness and mental clarity increasingly difficult for almost everyone?

Christian Reform UK voters 'want their country back'
Christian Reform UK voters 'want their country back'

Nigel Farage has clashed with CoE leaders in the past.

Can the Middle East learn how to respect religious freedom from Kurdistan?
Can the Middle East learn how to respect religious freedom from Kurdistan?

Kurdistan "offers an example imperfect but meaningful of what coexistence can look like".