International Day of Charity is observed annually on September 5th and serves as a global invitation for individuals, organizations, and volunteer groups to contribute to humanitarian efforts through acts of kindness, philanthropy, and solidarity. The primary objective of this day is to raise awareness and provide a common platform for charity-related activities all over the world for individuals, charitable, philanthropic or volunteer organizations to further their actions around a central theme of charity work.
By highlighting the significant role of charity in addressing humanitarian crises and suffering, the International Day of Charity aims to strengthen solidarity and social responsibility amongst individuals and nations.
History of International Day of Charity
International Day of Charity came into being thanks to the United Nations General Assembly, which announced it back in 2012. They wanted everyone to remember to do good deeds and help each other out, no matter where they live.
So why September 5th? Well, it’s all because of a very kind and caring woman, Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She passed away on this day in 1997. She was famous for helping people who didn’t have much, especially in Kolkata, India. She spent years taking care of people who were sick or didn’t have families, and in 1979, she even got the Nobel Peace Prize because she helped so many people.
Over time, people have always found ways to help others and give to those in need. But this particular day for celebrating charity is pretty new. It’s about showing the whole world that when we all pitch in and help out, we can really make a difference.
Since the day started, more and more people join in every year. They organize different events like collecting money for good causes, teaching people about helping others, and letting people know about the day through special campaigns. The whole point is to get folks to do volunteer work and give to others, helping with things like reducing poverty, dealing with disasters, and protecting our planet.
International Day of Charity Timeline
The Beginnings of Organized Charity in Buddhism
Charitable acts are an important part of the teachings of Buddhism, which began in India around this time.
Philanthropy in the Roman Empire
The Roman Empire saw the development of organized efforts at public assistance, with grain distributions and public health systems.
Christian Charity
The Christian Church institutionalized charity as one of its core values, establishing hospitals and offering welfare to the poor.
The Charitable Uses Act
Also known as the Statute of Elizabeth, this act was one of the earliest legal frameworks for charity and set the precedent for many modern charity laws.
The First Red Cross Societies
Inspired by the work of Henry Dunant, the first Red Cross Societies formed, creating a template for international humanitarian organizations.
The Rise of Philanthropic Foundations
Philanthropists like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie established foundations which continue to play significant roles.
Digital Fundraising
The advent of the internet and social media revolutionized charity, with platforms like GoFundMe allowing for global fundraising efforts.
International Day of Charity
The United Nations General Assembly officially designates September 5th as the International Day of Charity.
Ideas to Celebrate International Day of Charity
Community Charity Fair
Create a family-friendly event with booths, games, and food where local nonprofits can share their missions. Entry fees and a percentage of sales can go to participating charities. Encourage community members to volunteer.
Educational Workshop Series
Plan a series of workshops focusing on philanthropy, effective giving, and charitable initiatives around the world. Speakers from various charities can educate and inspire attendees to take action.
Charity Run/Walk
Organize a 5K run or walk where participants are sponsored by friends and family. The registration fees and sponsorships would benefit the designated charity and promote health and community involvement.
Corporate Giving Pledge
Challenge businesses to pledge a percentage of their profits or to match employee donations to a charity of their choice on this day. Promote the companies that participate to recognize their contributions.
Pay-It-Forward Initiative
Create a campaign where individuals and businesses perform acts of kindness or service for others, encouraging each recipient to continue the chain of charity. Document and share these stories to inspire further goodwill.
7 Interesting Facts About Charity
The Power of Small Donations
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to be a millionaire to make a significant impact. Small donations add up; in 2019, Americans gave $449.64 billion to charity, and a substantial portion of that came from individual donors contributing modest amounts.
Giving Patterns and Happiness
Several studies have shown that giving to charity activates regions in the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, suggesting that there is a 'warm glow' effect associated with the act of giving, and the act can actually make people happier.
Philanthropy etymology
The word 'philanthropy' comes from the Greek words 'philos,' which means 'loving,' and 'anthropos,' which means 'humankind.' Therefore, philanthropy literally means 'loving humankind,' and it is about improving the welfare of others through generous donations of money, time, or resources.
The Impact of Corporate Giving
Corporate philanthropy not only benefits communities and causes but also the companies involved. Studies have found that businesses that engage in charitable activities can experience a boost in employee morale, improved brand perception, and increased customer loyalty.
The Importance of Volunteerism
Charity isn't just about monetary donations; it's also about giving time. The estimated value of a volunteer's time in the United States reached over $28 per hour in 2020, demonstrating that volunteer efforts have a significant tangible impact on the effectiveness of charitable organizations.
Matching Gifts and Leverage
Many employers offer matching gift programs, doubling the donations made by employees to eligible nonprofits. This not only incentivizes charitable giving among staff but can also greatly amplify the impact of the funds raised for charity causes.
Micro-Donations and Technology
The advent of online giving platforms and the popularity of micro-donations have transformed charitable giving. People can now easily contribute small amounts to causes they care about using just their smartphones, highlighting how technology has made charity more accessible.
International Day of Charity FAQs
Next International Day of Charity Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 5th | Tuesday |
| 2024 | September 5th | Thursday |
| 2025 | September 5th | Friday |
| 2026 | September 5th | Saturday |
| 2027 | September 5th | Sunday |
| What is the pattern? | Every September 5th | |
International Day of Charity Word Search
- Giving
- Charity
- Generosity
- Altruism
- Support
- Nonprofit