The 5th of September is the International Day of Charity. Whilst we can all enjoy ‘Talk Like A Pirate Day’, ‘Compliment Day’, ‘Strawberry Ice Cream Day, and all the other silly days that are shared on social media, this day actually has great significance.
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. This important day was officially declared by the UN General Assembly in 2012.
The date was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of Mother Teresa’s passing, 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.
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, events and fundraising.
The United Nations invites all of its member states, organisations, businesses and the public, to celebrate the day by contributing to charities however we can.
It’s proving another difficult year for many of us, with the lasting impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, and now the cost of living crisis. Charities have been affected by the same problems and yet there is no less pressure on their need to support people, animals and environments across the planet. If you’re wanting to do something to help your favourite cause, you don’t have to donate money, you can volunteer your time, donate items that charities may need, raise awareness about a charity’s work or fundraising events, and of course, you can donate an old car! If you’re in a position where you no longer want or need your old car, or it’s not roadworthy, you can donate the value of it to help a good cause.
Every charity will be grateful of your support, however you can help, so reach out to them and make a meaningful mark this International Day of Charity.
