International Day of Charity

What Is the International Day of Charity?

September 5 is the "International Day of Charity," an international observance established by the United Nations to draw attention to people engaged in charitable and volunteer work aimed at alleviating poverty and addressing humanitarian crises.

The Origins and Background of the International Day of Charity

September 5 marks the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa in 1997, who was renowned for her work supporting people living in poverty. In 2012, the UN General Assembly designated this date as the "International Day of Charity," both to commemorate her legacy and to promote the importance of charitable activity more broadly.

• Year established: 2012 (by UN General Assembly resolution)
• Origin: The death of Mother Teresa on September 5, 1997
• Purpose: To raise awareness of charitable and volunteer activities

Fun Facts About the International Day of Charity

• Mother Teresa: Known for dedicating her life to supporting people suffering from poverty and illness, primarily in Kolkata, India.
• Nobel Peace Prize: Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
• What "charity" means: The word refers to acts of giving for the benefit of others, encompassing various forms of social contribution such as donations and volunteering.

Ways to Mark the International Day of Charity

Why not look into local donation drives or volunteer opportunities, or explore ways to support a cause even with a small contribution? It's a good day to revisit the simple idea of "doing something for someone else."