The Swedish Cancer Society's 2007 benefit concert
More Charitable Donations
Swedes are giving more money to charities.
According to a report from Swedish Radio News, charitable donations have almost doubled over the past decade, from around 388 million dollars in 1996 to 706 million dollars last year.
Swedes traditionally rely on their high taxes funnelled through the welfare state to take care of social problems. One reason given for the increase in donations is the Asian tsunami, which resulted in record contributions and changed attitudes.
But commentators say charities have also been more aggressive, citing the recent pink ribbon campaign to raise funds to fight breast cancer.
