The International Day Of Charity - A Global Commitment To Common Goals Bringing Worldwide Unity

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The International Day Of Charity - A Global Commitment To Common Goals Bringing Worldwide Unity

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The International Day Of Charity - A Global Commitment To Common Goals Bringing Worldwide Unity

12 min read AUG 14, 2025

Better together, this is a phrase that’s been used in many regions, for many causes, and in a multitude of ways, but today we’d like to use it for a great, global purpose.

The International Day Of Charity is a day celebrated each September, and the success of such a day and its intended efforts is reliant on one thing - participation.

We’ll get to the details surrounding this day in a moment, but as the name suggests, it’s a global holiday centered around charity.

Today, we commonly think of charity as solely having to do with monetary giving, and yes, there’s a bit of that in there, but that’s not all.

At the heart of charity is love or care. And, care implies anything but isolation.

Caring for others is better…or best…together.

When we join with others surrounding a common goal, not only is the goal far more achievable, but we’re all made better in the process.

Better together means we’re made better by coming together. And, better together means any cause we support in solidarity is made better due to our combined efforts.

What Is The International Day Of Charity?

In 2012, the United Nations declared September 5th an international holiday, The International Day of Charity.

Prior to this year, similar efforts had been established by a Hungarian civil society, an initiative put in place to honor the life, death, and work of Mother Teresa.

Since this time, the day not only serves as a reminder of Mother Teresa’s “tireless work to help others overcome poverty and suffering,” but “provides a platform for charitable opportunities to take place” as well.

The United Nations’ goal in making this day an international holiday is to mobilize the world to a boots on the ground type of action and effort - in other words, one which drives folks to action.

We are commonly confronted with opportunities to give to and help others, but a day recognized internationally, whether we realize it or not, prompts a little something extra.

When such efforts are recognized globally, it serves as a call to action, an opportunity for folks to come together around a common goal or purpose.

In fact, the United Nations is using the term “charity” here with this exact intention.

The Bible actually uses the word charity quite often, and in this text charity is commonly used to not only describe an action but the motivation for such action as well.

Today, we routinely see the word charity in the context of giving, but I do believe if we isolate the term in this way, we can easily miss the point.

The United Nations describes charity as a unifying term, “an expression of global solidarity - it brings people together to build more just and resilient societies, whether through direct giving, volunteering, or collective action.”

Like the biblical description of charity, the United Nations highlights the driving point behind the term, namely that charity shifts our mindset from self to society, moving our thoughts from ‘what can I do,’ to ‘what can we accomplish for others when we come together.’

So then, if Mother Teresa’s efforts were her personal mission, why use this figure as a representative for global effect?

Ah, but that’s just the thing, Mother Teresa’s efforts actually perfectly represent what this day is all about.

Initially, Mother Teresa, a Roman Catholic nun, began caring for the sick and poor in Calcutta.

Her heart was burdened for these people living in the slums of Calcutta, and thus she acted upon this desire and took to offering charitable care here.

But, it wasn’t long until others were inspired by her efforts.

As word spread of her selfless service, many others over the years (since the early 1900’s) have sought to not only aid her mission/desire but begin similar efforts all across the globe.

Of course, this is clearly what the United Nations recognizes as well, thus using the efforts sparked by Mother Teresa’s dedication and life work to fuel continued global initiatives.
While September 5th marks the official celebration and commemoration of the International Day of Charity, like Mother Teresa’s efforts, such commitments are certainly not limited to this day alone.

Since its beginning, The International Day Of Charity has witnessed the following accomplishments and advances around the world:

1- Awareness And Engagement

This day, each year, serves as a reminder to folks all across the globe that when we use our time, talents, and treasures together we can accomplish great things.

Each year, as this day is celebrated, individuals, organizations, and even world governments are made aware of issues pressing individuals and communities.

And, as people get involved, it inspires others to do the same - encouraging giving, random acts of kindness, and greater volunteer turnout from individuals, organizations, and government efforts.

2- Education And Empowerment

Never underestimate the power of education!

Especially now, in the digital age, education and awareness efforts are reaching a much larger audience, and the more we’re all made aware, the more we can appropriately engage.

You can see this in just about every arena of life today.

Schools have more access to information which is passed down to students and parents. Even students and parents can stay better informed of pressing global issues, even local concerns, through the internet.
Organizations can more easily communicate pressing world issues across multiple areas which not only affect their customer base but in areas far beyond their physical reach as well.
Governments are also more easily informed and they have become increasingly involved in charitable efforts affecting their own citizens and those around the world.

Today, we can all be educated about the issues facing others with the mere click of a button.

Even greater, today we can also be educated regarding ways we can join in relief/aid efforts in the same manner.

And, as technologies advance, I can only imagine that our capabilities to educate and empower folks worldwide will continue to expand as well.

3- Protection And Advocation

One major way the International Day Of Charity has impacted life for communities across the globe is by protecting and advocating for innocent and at-risk populations.

For the most part, this involves children, but this could include the planet as well.

Regarding the planet, while this earth has many self-preserving qualities, the intersection of earth and man has led to many devastating tragedies, often depleting resources faster than they can be replenished.

For this reason, it is imperative that preservation and protection efforts are prioritized and change takes place.

With proper education and involvement, global efforts from individuals to governments (through awareness, policy change, and more) can make (and are making) a positive difference in this regard.

But, our planet isn’t the only future worth protecting.

Whitney Houston’s classic “I believe the children are our future,” was a hit for a reason…those words are powerfully true!

If we do not advocate for and protect children all across the world, then there will be no tomorrow.

No doctors, lawyers, environmental advocates, farmers, leaders, or teachers. No one to further efforts for the International Day of Charity…no future at all.

When children aren’t safe, when they’re starving, when they aren’t educated about health, and when children aren’t given a voice, they are robbed not only of basic human necessities but their future as well.

Mother Teresa is often pictured with children, particularly those in need of basic human care - food, clean water, medical attention, clothing, shelter - and it’s often believed that her efforts expanded due to her attention to this vulnerable population.

Thankfully today, International Day of Charity efforts continue to follow her lead, protecting, advocating for, and serving children all across the world.

4- Health And Care…And Healthcare

Many underprivileged communities throughout the world are suffering, in need of basic medical care and more.
This includes care for health concerns, of course, but this also includes basic education regarding healthy living practices that many of us (especially in the US) take for granted.
We’re so used to hearing basic advice regarding nutrition, exercise, sleep, hydration, and more that we’re commonly numb to the fact that this information is a vital need for many populations.

Today, the International Day of Charity efforts have not only reached communities with such basic, needful, information, they have also brought fundamental support, healthcare services, and policy change which positively affects folks within such areas.

These efforts have also prompted research initiatives, leading to better care for at-risk populations and beyond.

But, while the above accomplishments are vital, there’s still much work to be done…

So then, what can we further accomplish when we come together in charity?

Global And Local Efforts

Let’s slightly shift gears now and take a look at both global and local efforts surrounding the International Day of Charity.

Here, we hope you can see what’s happening around the world and at home, including a few ideas for how you can make an impact.

Online Resources

We mentioned briefly above that we’ve got more resources available to us today than in the past, as the internet serves as a unique and powerful way to send out information regarding needs, fundraisers, efforts, and more, both in your local communities and around the world.

But, this type of resource isn’t only beneficial for “getting the word out,” as it’s also a great way to give.

Donating on your mobile device? Yep, it doesn’t get much simpler than that.

Today, you can find a cause you deem worthy and better the lives of others who are suffering or in need anywhere in your town, anywhere in the world, by simply going online both to research worthy causes as well as make monetary donations.

Prefer to volunteer your time or talents? You can find areas in need of such charity online as well.

And, you don’t even have to do a Google search!

My subdivision has a Facebook page, and folks within our neighborhood are routinely letting others know of opportunities for donations, volunteering, and more.

I’ve actually learned of the needs of our local food pantries and clothing closets more from Facebook than generic online searches!

Oftentimes, you can check community pages for immediate or pressing needs that come up outside of scheduled or commemorative days (like the International Day of Charity, for instance), so if you’re looking for local ways to get involved, don’t count out the input of your neighbors and local businesses.

Schools, Schools, Schools

As children are heading back to school, consider contacting your local school to inquire about needs.

Help a teacher purchase classroom supplies, provide supplies for students who would otherwise do without, consider donating to help those families who are struggling to provide food for their children, etc.

And, consider thinking outside your local community when it comes to childhood education.

Many of you know that we support Project Alianza here at Lifeboost, an organization which builds schools for children living in coffee growing regions in Central and South America.

What we commonly take for granted here in the US - things like textbooks, a safe way to travel to school, proper hygiene in the classroom and school, food, lighting, etc. - are often lacking in other parts of the world.

Consider donating or partnering with such organizations to support children in need outside of your town, city, state, or even country.

Government

We touched on this in the section above, but we wanted to expound upon this notion here.

One way that days like the International Day of Charity prompt change around the world is through policy changes that occur in governments across the globe.

Perhaps you’ve witnessed changes taking place in your community pertaining to traffic laws?

These changes often arise after needs or concerns are presented to a town board or local officials.

And truly, this is a model for how charitable efforts work on a national or global level as well.

Just like we detailed above, education efforts take place to make folks aware of issues or concerns, then continued education and advocacy occurs which soon reaches governing officials.

These needs can then provoke changes in policy or increased aid which serve to improve the lives of underprivileged areas as well as protect these people and the planet (in the case of environmental efforts).

But, education must happen, voices must raise, and hands must join to help for these efforts to have far reaching implications. So, never underestimate your reach in this manner!

A Few Examples

Some of the information presented today can seem redundant when looking at both the issues we face in humanity as well as the efforts taking place at the global and local level.

And, believe it or not, that’s actually a good thing!

The global model doesn’t differ all that much from local endeavors for a very good reason…this reminds us that not only do our efforts matter, but that we’ve all got more in common than we think.

Realizing this brings people together. Realizing this prompts collaboration. And, realizing this produces a unified effort, spanning country, culture, and community.

To make a difference in your neighborhood and around the world, consider the following:

Monetary donations: Consider donating to a charity of your choosing, be it local, statewide, or a cause supporting folks on the other side of the world.

Fundraisers: Remember when Hurricane Helene ravished unlikely areas throughout Appalachia? One way efforts reached these regions, bringing critically needed help and supplies, was through fundraising efforts.

On a much larger scale, fundraisers have positively impacted areas around the world in need of clean water, food, shelter, medical care, and more.

Fundraisers serve to educate others about needs near and far, and this not only serves as an avenue for donation, but a springboard for expanded efforts as well.

Volunteer: Whether it’s at a medical clinic, school, food pantry, clothing closet, or a fundraiser, etc. your time, efforts, and energy are often the most charitable ‘items’ you can donate when it comes to positively impacting those in need.

When you show up, in person, to join together with others for the purpose of helping your fellow neighbors and beyond, this not only educates you more profoundly regarding the issues others are facing, but it also meets great needs within your community..

Spread Awareness: If you can’t donate your time or are unable to donate monetarily, you can always aid mankind by educating yourself about issues facing your community and our world. And, once you’ve been properly made aware of such challenges, you can promote charity by spreading awareness of these issues to others.

Whether it’s through a social media post or a web page, etc. you can always share information about the causes you’re passionate about, including International Day of Charity efforts.

So then, let’s close out with a little challenge…

If you know of local efforts in your area, plan to inform your social media friends and followers with a simple post about this day and those efforts taking place in your community, or even better, seek to get a group together through such a post to participate in any charitable initiatives (volunteering, donating, etc.) taking place near you.