Tuesday the 5^th of September 2023 in the International Day of Charity.

Global Solidarity to Eradicate Poverty

Charity, like the notions of volunteerism and philanthropy, provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies. Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care, education, housing and child protection. It assists the advancement of many social needs and it ensures the protection of cultural and natural heritage. It also promotes the rights of the marginalized and underprivileged and spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations.

In the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development adopted in September 2015, the United Nations recognizes that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. The Agenda also calls for a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focused in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth in the Agenda can be grouped into six critical areas: people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership. They have the potential to transform our lives and our planet by providing the framework needed for philanthropic institutions to enable all people to contribute to the betterment of our world.

Background

The International Day of Charity was established with the objective of sensitizing and mobilizing people, NGOs, and stakeholders all around the world to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities.

The date of 5 September was chosen in order to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 “for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace.”

In recognition of the role of charity in alleviating humanitarian crises and human suffering within and among nations, as well as of the efforts of charitable organizations and individuals, including the work of Mother Teresa, the General Assembly of the United Nations in its resolution A/RES/67/105 designated the 5th of September, the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, as the International Day of Charity.

Interesting facts about Charity:

Globally, helping a stranger is the most popular form of giving

It appears that we have not become an isolated, selfish, too occupied with our mobile phones to help others, bunch.  In a typical month, a massive 1.9 billion people will help a stranger; 1.3 billion people donate money and whilst 0.8 billion volunteer.

Women are more financially generous than men

While more women are more likely to donate money to charity, men are more likely to volunteer or help a stranger.

The most generous countries are not necessarily the richest – or the biggest

The top 20 countries for charitable giving vary economically, geographically and politically; there’s at least one country from each continent.

The list includes both Qatar, a country with the second highest GDP per capita and also Liberia, which has the second lowest GDP per capita.

The USA, a nation of 300 million people, also makes an appearance in the top 20 – as does Trinidad and Tobago, a nation of just over one million.

Continents differ in how they give

More people in Africa than in Europe or Asia said they had helped a stranger, while four times more people in Oceania than in Africa donated money.

Charitable organizations depend on donations from individuals

In fact, donations received by non-profit organizations are largely made by individuals. In 2019, individual giving made up 69% of all giving.

When are people most generous

December is the largest giving month of the year.