Several British high street shops have joined an initiative that lets consumers support unemployed factory workers by buying a mystery box of new fashion items. With many people keen to offer help to those hit hard by COVID-19, brands are leaning into schemes that go beyond traditional fundraising.

Cause-based marketing sees brands launching campaigns and posting on Instagram to show their support for social issues. Yet while they may mean well, such efforts are routinely criticised, especially by discerning Gen Zers. So, how can brands demonstrate their commitment to a good cause?

The health crisis caused by COVID-19 is steadily making way for an economic crisis as businesses seek support in restarting operations and individuals face up to job insecurity. Canvas8 spoke to 17 people in the UK and US to find out how their spending habits have been impacted by the pandemic.

Public trust in the global charity sector may be low, but in the US, where donations reached record levels in 2017, people continue to give in a variety of ways. Canvas8 spoke to 20 Americans to find out how they support charities and whether money is still their preferred mode of giving.