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International Day of Charity

Any charitable donation, big or small, money or time, can go a long way to helping solve some of the world’s worst problems, such as child hunger or the environment.

Charity Hobbies & Activities55

Marketing angleinferred

Align brand purpose and corporate giving initiatives with a UN-recognized day to amplify charitable impact messaging and drive employee/customer engagement in September.

Relevance 55medium intent

Spotlight your company's charitable partnerships and year-to-date giving impact
Launch a matching-gift campaign or volunteer day tied to International Day of Charity
Share employee stories of volunteering or community service to humanize brand values
Promote cause-related products or donation-linked purchases during the month

History

To honor the important work that these many charities do, in 2012 the United Nations decided to nominate an annual International Day of Charity as an official day of recognition and celebration. The reason the date was chosen is because it is the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

This choice commemorates the tireless work that Mother Teresa did by devoting her whole life to charity work.

To celebrate this special day every year, the work of different charities all over the word is publicised and celebrated, and people are encouraged to donate money and time, to carry out charitable works, and also to educate people and raise awareness about the many charitable issues worldwide.

Education and giving are the essence of this special day.

As the day commemorates the work of Mother Teresa, it is important that we tell you a bit more about her. Mother Teresa was born on the 26th of August 1910 as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu. She is honored as Saint Teresa of Calcutta in the Catholic Church.

She founded a Roman Catholic religious congregation, the Missionaries of Charity, in 1950. The Missionaries of Charity is active all over the world, with thousands of nuns all around the world.

The congregation manages homes for those who are dying of tuberculosis, leprosy, and HIV/AIDs. It also runs schools, orphanages, family counseling programmes, children’s counseling programmes, mobile clinics, dispensaries, and soup kitchens.

Members take vows of obedience, poverty, and chastity. They also profess a fourth vow, which is to give a “wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor.” Over the years, Mother Teresa has been awarded with many different honors.

This includes being given the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, as well as the Tamon Magsaysay Peace Prize in 1962.

FAQ

What is the origin of the term “charity”?

The word “charity” originates from the Latin term “caritas,” which means “love” or “affection.” In early Christian theology, “caritas” represented the selfless love that individuals should have for others, reflecting the highest form of love. Over time, the term evolved to denote acts of kindness and giving to those in need.

How did the concept of charity differ in ancient civilizations?

In ancient Greece, philanthropy was viewed as a civic duty, with wealthy citizens funding public projects like libraries and schools. Conversely, in ancient China, Confucian principles emphasized “ren” (benevolence), encouraging individuals to act with kindness and support their communities. These cultural perspectives shaped the diverse practices of charity observed throughout history.

What are some innovative digital approaches to charity in the modern era?

The rise of technology has introduced digital platforms like “crowdfunding,” where individuals can contribute to causes online. Websites such as GoFundMe and Kickstarter enable people to support projects or individuals in need directly. Additionally, “charity streaming” has gained popularity, with gamers and content creators hosting live streams to raise funds for various causes.

How do cultural festivals incorporate charitable acts?

In India, during the festival of Diwali, it’s customary for individuals to donate food, clothes, and money to the less fortunate, embodying the spirit of giving. Similarly, in the Islamic tradition, during Ramadan, Muslims practice “Zakat,” one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which involves giving a portion of one’s wealth to those in need.

What role do animals play in charitable activities?

Animals often serve as therapeutic companions in programs like “pet therapy,” visiting hospitals and nursing homes to uplift patients’ spirits. Additionally, events such as “charity dog walks” raise funds for various causes, leveraging the bond between humans and animals to promote goodwill.

How has the concept of charity been depicted in art and literature?

Throughout history, charity has been a prevalent theme in art and literature. Charles Dickens’ novel “A Christmas Carol” emphasizes the importance of generosity and compassion. In art, works like “The Good Samaritan” by Vincent van Gogh depict acts of kindness, reinforcing the virtue of helping others.

What are some unique corporate charity initiatives?

Many companies implement “matching gift programs,” where they match donations made by employees to charitable organizations. For instance, Microsoft matches employee donations up to $15,000 per year. Additionally, some businesses allocate a percentage of their profits to charitable causes, integrating philanthropy into their business models.

How do sports events contribute to charitable causes?

Major sporting events often dedicate proceeds to charity. The Boston Marathon, for example, has an official charity program that has raised millions for various causes. Similarly, soccer matches like “Soccer Aid” feature celebrities and professionals playing to raise funds for UNICEF.

What is the significance of “Giving Tuesday”?

“Giving Tuesday,” celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States, is a global movement encouraging people to donate to charitable causes. Initiated in 2012, it harnesses the power of social media to inspire collective generosity, counterbalancing the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Has any single act of charity changed the world?

One of history’s most impactful acts of charity happened in 1953 when Jonas Salk refused to patent his polio vaccine. Instead of making billions, he allowed the vaccine to be freely distributed, effectively eradicating polio in many parts of the world. His generosity saved millions of lives and shaped modern medicine’s approach to public health.