Posted on 03 September 2020 by Charity Car

The 5th of September is International Day of Charity - whilst we quite like to celebrate Talk Like A Pirate Day, Cat Day, Dog Day, Pizza Day, and all the other silly days to keep us entertained, this day has great importance and meaning to it.

How did International Day of Charity start?

Hungary proposed its introduction in 2011 to the United Nations (UN) in the lead up to the Agenda on Sustainable Development, which included these critical areas: people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership. The UN recognise that eradicating poverty is the greatest global challenge we face, and the key to sustainable development. The day was officially declared by the UN General Assembly in 2012.

Why is International Day of Charity on the 5th September?

The date was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa, who spent her life working to overcome poverty and the suffering of the poorest people in the world. In 1928 she went to India and devoted herself to helping those living in extreme poverty. For over 45 years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned and dying. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 "for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress". Mother Teresa passed away on the 5th September 1997, at the age of 87.

What is the International Day of Charity?

Today the International Day of Charity serves to raise awareness of social responsibility amongst us all. It aims to enhance solidarity and to increase our support for charitable causes. It's a great opportunity to raise awareness of charitable causes and events.

Do something this International Day of Charity

The United Nations invites all of the member states, organisations and businesses, and the public to celebrate the day by contributing to charities however we can.

It's proving a difficult year for us all with the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on our lives, and charities are having a hard time of it too. So if you're wanting to do something to help your favourite cause, you don't have to donate money, you can volunteer your time to a cause, donate items that charities may need, raise awareness and spread the word about causes that mean something to you, and of course, we have to mention donating your car. If you're in a position where you no longer want or need your car, or it's not roadworthy anymore, you can donate the value of it to help a charity.

Charities will no doubt be grateful of your support so reach out to them and see how you can help this International Day of Charity.