International Day of Charity (Sept. 5)

The Meaning Behind International Day of Charity

On September 5th, the globe will celebrate the International Day of Charity, also known as World Charity Day. Since its inception in 2012, declared by the UN General Assembly, the International Day of Charity has been observed annually. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness and provide a platform for charity related activities all over the world. This day is celebrated on all levels- local, national, and global- and is acknowledged by individuals, charities, philanthropic organizations, and volunteer organizations, alike.

How the International Day of Charity Started

The International Day of Charity began as an initiative of the Hungarian people that was supported by the Hungarian Parliament and Government in 2011. The initiative’s goal was to enhance visibility, organize special events, and increase solidarity, social responsibility, and public support. Hungary proposed this initiative to the United Nations General Assembly in December of 2012. It was sponsored by forty-four UN Member States, which represented all five Regional Groups of the United Nations. The First International Day of Charity was officially celebrated in 2013.

The date chosen to celebrate the International Day of Charity pays homage to Mother Teresa, as it is the anniversary of her passing, September 5th. Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 “for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace.” During her lifetime, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation that was active in 133 countries. The congregation serves those dying of diseases by managing homes, soup kitchens, dispensaries and mobile clinics, counselling programs, orphanages, and schools.

How to Celebrate the International Day of Charity

All over the world, people and organizations, as well as businesses, band together to show their solidarity in helping others. Individuals are seen volunteering in events put together by organizations or donated their hard earned money to causes they deem worthy. Businesses and stores have been seen to contribute a portion of their sales from the day to a charity they work closely with. Other organizations and individuals use this day to promote education and awareness about their cause and/or charity. If you would like to donate to a charity, but aren’t sure which one to donate, use this website to make an informed decision: www.charitywatch.org/top-rated-charities.