International Day of Charity 2023: Date, History, Facts about International Day of Charity

In 2012, the United Nations proclaimed September 5 International Day of Charity, which originated as a Hungarian civil society initiative to commemorate Mother Teresa’s death. Since then, the holiday has spread globally. In addition to commemorating Mother Teresa’s tireless efforts to help others surmount poverty and suffering, the holiday provides a venue for charitable activities. If you are unable to make a financial contribution on September 5, there are many other methods to participate, such as purchasing gifts that give back to charities. This day serves as a reminder that simple acts of kindness can mitigate the worst effects of humanitarian crises and foster more inclusive and resilient societies.

The background of International Day of Charity

Mother Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu was born in the Ottoman Empire on August 26, 1910, and she entered religious life at the age of 12. She left home at the age of 18 to study English and become a missionary in Ireland. She had always been fascinated by missionaries, particularly those in India. She subsequently moved to India, where she studied Bengali and took vows to become a Catholic nun.

Her charitable work began in earnest in 1948, when she adopted Indian citizenship and began working with the country’s impoverished citizens. In the following years, she established several hospices, a congregation, and leper homes and orphanages. Her congregation attracted a large number of adherents and benefactors, and she went on to establish numerous subsidiaries of her charitable organisation, which spread her good work across the globe.

Mother Teresa, who passed away in 1997 after 45 years of devoted charity work, is remembered as a woman of tremendous faith and unrivalled generosity. In fact, her legacy was so significant that in 2011 the Hungarian Parliament and Government established International Day of Charity in her honour. They chose the date of her demise, September 5, to honour her life with a public service initiative.

The United Nations adopted this holiday swiftly, and by 2012, it had spread globally. It was established by the United Nations to recognise the charitable efforts of all organisations, including Mother Teresa’s, and to emphasise the ability of charity to alleviate humanitarian crises and human suffering. People, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership are the UN’s essential objectives that guide the charitable endeavours we should undertake. On September 5, we can honour Mother Teresa’s work by experiencing the pleasure of charitable giving ourselves.

5 Interesting International Day of Charity Facts

December is historically the month in which the most charitable donations are recorded.

More than one-third of Australians volunteer each month, and two-thirds donate money; this makes Australia the most charitable nation on earth.

Women are more likely to assist a stranger, volunteer, and donate money on average.

The average age of a charitable donor in the United States is 62.

10% of online donations in 2016 exceeded $1,000!

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CHARITY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	September 5	Tuesday
2024	September 5	Thursday
2025	September 5	Friday
2026	September 5	Saturday
2027	September 5	Sunday