As Syrian refugee families continue arriving and fan out across the country, a just released survey finds older Canadians strongly back the Trudeau government plan to take them in.

According to a poll of more than 2,400 members of CARP – A New Vision of Aging – close to two thirds (61%) approve of the government plan to resettle 25,000 refugees the next few months.

More than half (53%) expects them the refugees to have a positive effect on Canadian society.

Over one-third (34%) have donated money, goods or time to refugee relief.

CARP’s Susan Eng says, ”This demonstrates once again, especially at this time of year, that older Canadians understand the needs of those less fortunate than themselves, and empathize with the feelings of those left stateless and rootless at the holidays.”

The survey also found nine in ten members have donated time, money or both this year; primarily to health research and religious charities.