international-day-of-charity-september-5

International Day Of Charity September 5

In the tapestry of global observances, September 5 stands out as a poignant reminder of the power of compassion and generosity. Dubbed the International Day of Charity, this day not only honors the legacy of Mother Teresa, a symbol of selfless humanitarian work, but also shines a spotlight on the vital role of charity in alleviating human suffering. Established by the United Nations in 2012, this day encourages a global call to action for charity, urging everyone from governments to individuals to pitch in. Why was this particular day chosen? It marks the anniversary of Mother Teresa's passing, a figure whose life's work has become synonymous with charitable endeavors and compassion worldwide. As we approach this day, it serves as a timely nudge for all of us to reflect on our contributions to making the world a better place, emphasizing that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can ripple through society, fostering sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Key Takeaway

The International Day of Charity was established by the UN General Assembly in 2012 to commemorate the passing of Mother Teresa, a nun known for her dedication to serving the poor and sick.
The day aims to promote charitable activities, raise awareness, and honor the contributions of charitable organizations and volunteers in making a positive difference in communities and reducing poverty.

Timeline

1897
Birth of Mother Teresa
Anna Maria Javouhey, a French nun, founded the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, an organization dedicated to charitable work in France and its colonies. Mother Teresa, who would later become a symbol of charity, was born in 1897 in what is now North Macedonia.
1920
Establishment of the Red Cross
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was established, which has played a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief worldwide.
1957
Dorothy Day receives the Laetare Medal
Dorothy Day, an American journalist and social activist, received the Laetare Medal from the University of Notre Dame for her work with the Catholic Worker Movement, which focused on social justice and charitable activities.
1984
Live Aid Concert
The Live Aid concert was held in London and Philadelphia, raising over $245 million for famine relief in Ethiopia and other African countries. This event highlighted the power of charity and the impact it could have on a global scale.
2012
International Day of Charity
The United Nations declared September 5 as the International Day of Charity, in honor of Mother Teresa’s birthday, to promote and recognize the efforts of charitable organizations and individuals worldwide.

Day Activities

  1. Kickstarting the Day with a Giving Spirit: On International Day of Charity, communities worldwide ignite their altruistic side, organizing food drives, clothing collections, and fundraising events. These activities not only provide immediate aid to those in need but also foster a sense of unity and compassion among participants, proving that every little bit helps.

  2. Volunteer Ventures Galore: Diving into the heart of charity, folks roll up their sleeves to participate in local clean-up operations, visit nursing homes, or lend a hand at animal shelters. This hands-on approach not only makes a tangible difference but also enriches volunteers' lives, offering new perspectives and a deep sense of fulfillment.

  3. Spreading the Word: Leveraging social media platforms, individuals and organizations amplify their charitable endeavors, sharing stories, and inspiring others to join the cause. Workshops and webinars also take center stage, educating people on the importance of giving back and how to effectively support their favorite causes, ensuring the ripple effect of kindness spans far and wide.

Interesting Facts

1. Celebration's Origin

The UN established International Day of Charity on September 5 to honor Mother Teresa's life and work.

2. First Celebration

International Day of Charity was first celebrated worldwide in 2013, promoting charity and volunteerism.

3. Mother Teresa's Legacy

This day marks the anniversary of Mother Teresa's passing, celebrating her dedication to aiding the needy.

4. UN's Resolution

A/RES/67/127 emphasizes charity's role in sustainable development and poverty reduction.

5. Global Participation

Encourages global action in charitable activities, sharing best practices for a positive impact.

Why We Love This Day

  • Celebrating the legacy of Mother Teresa: This day shines a spotlight on the incredible work of Mother Teresa, who devoted her life to aiding those in dire need. Her legacy is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on the world through acts of kindness and charity. It's a day that encourages us all to follow in her footsteps, making it a beacon of hope and compassion.

  • Highlighting the power of charitable acts: On International Day of Charity, we're reminded that every small act of kindness can make a big difference. Whether it's donating to a local food bank, volunteering time at a shelter, or simply helping a neighbor, this day celebrates the immense power of giving back. It's a heartwarming nudge for everyone to pitch in and help make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.

  • Fostering global solidarity and sustainable development: This special day isn't just about individual acts of charity; it's also a call to action for sustainable global development. By promoting the importance of charity, the UN aims to reduce poverty and improve living conditions worldwide. It's a day that brings people together from all walks of life to work towards a common goal, highlighting how interconnected and interdependent we all are in the grand scheme of things.

Past & Future Dates

Month Day Year
SEPTEMBER 5 2022
SEPTEMBER 5 2023
SEPTEMBER 5 2024
SEPTEMBER 5 2025
SEPTEMBER 5 2026
SEPTEMBER 5 2027
SEPTEMBER 5 2028

FAQ

What international day is September 5th?

International Day of Charity falls on September 5th, shining a spotlight on the power of charitable actions to unite communities and foster global solidarity.

What is the theme of the International Day of Charity?

The theme for the International Day of Charity centers on raising awareness about critical global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and humanitarian crises, urging both individual and collective action towards a fairer, more equitable, and sustainable world for everyone.