NEARLY two-thirds of people in Wiltshire intend to donate to a charity close to home this Christmas, a new study shows.

Data from Ecclesiastical Insurance’s 12 days of giving campaign shows 2,011 people in the county have so far nominated a local cause to receive a £1,000 donation.

According to the company, an overwhelming 85 per cent believe it’s more important than ever to support local charities because of the impact of Covid-19.

The special insurer’s campaign will see 120 charities receive a £1,000 donation and members of the public are being asked to nominate charities close to their hearts to receive the cash boost.

12 days of giving from specialist insurer Ecclesiastical will see 120 different charities receive an early Christmas gift of a £1,000 donation.

Already, 54 Wiltshire based charities have been nominated and are in with a chance to win £1,000.

Health charities are the most popular causes with animal and wildlife organisations and education schemes also in people's hearts.

Ten lucky charity winners will be announced each weekday from 7 to 22 December.

An Ecclesiastical Insurance spokesman said: “It’s quick and easy to nominate a charity online. Nominations are open from November 9 to December 21 and you can vote for your favourite charity at www.movementforgood.com/12days

“Winners will be drawn at random – and while it is not a popularity contest, the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected.

“Ecclesiastical is encouraging everyone to use their social media channels to ask people to vote for their favourite cause to give them the best possible chance of winning.”

Mark Hews, Group CEO of Ecclesiastical, said: “It’s incredibly humbling to see that Wiltshire residents are more likely than ever before to make a donation to a local cause this Christmas, despite the difficult year that most of us have faced personally.

“As a commercial company with a charitable purpose, giving back is at the heart of our business.

“Our annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign will help charities change lives for the better and we know that for many charities, £1,000 can make a real difference.

“We’re encouraging everyone to nominate a cause close to their hearts this Christmas to be in for a chance to win a festive financial boost.”