International Day of Charity

The International Day of Charity was established to sensitize and mobilize people, NGOs, and stakeholders all around the world to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities.

The date of 5^th September was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who 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.”

In the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development adopted in September 2015, the United Nations recognizes that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. The Agenda also calls for a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focused in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. It also acknowledges the role of the diverse private sector, ranging from micro-enterprises to cooperatives to multinationals, and that of civil society organizations and philanthropic organizations in the implementation of the new Agenda.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the Agenda can be grouped into six critical areas: people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership. They have the potential to transform our lives and our planet by providing the framework needed for philanthropic institutions to enable all people to contribute to the betterment of our world. (United Nations, n.d.)

If giving back gives you the most happiness, then get ready to start giving!

People always need help- life is hard, and selfless acts are beneficial in that some people aren’t as lucky/ do not enjoy some of the finest luxuries or acquire opportunities others get to experience. Having the power/ability to improve the lives of others, is to many people, a privilege and it comes with its sense of obligation. The knowledge that you are helping others can also make you happier and more fulfilled.

The International Day of Charity also serves to remind us to reach out to others. As some challenges we face daily can make us short-sighted because we focus on our issues, it is also important to remember that reaching out and helping out when we can make someone’s day. The International Day of Charity is also a day that helps to create a bond; whether you are participating as a family or with friends, giving helps bolster relationships through a shared goal.

If you introduce younger people/ your children to events that deal with charities or donations, they get to learn the importance of generosity. As they naturally love to help others, children’s innate generosity is nurtured and they are likely to grow up with a greater appreciation of what they have and will carry on supporting charity in the coming years.