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International Day of Charity

Show your support this International Day of Charity - donate to a meaningful cause, volunteer your time, and make a difference in the world!

Saturday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 5

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPhilanthropy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate International Day of Charity on September 5 and show your support for those in need! This day was established by the United Nations in 2012 to recognize the efforts charities, organizations and individuals make year-round to help those who are less fortunate. It's an opportunity to reflect on what we can all do together as a global community to create positive change.

TIMELINE

International Day of Charity Timeline

Birth of Mother Teresa

Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, known as Mother Teresa, was born. She went on to dedicate her life to charity work, particularly in helping the poor.

Missionaries of Charity Founding

Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. This religious congregation focused on caring for "the poorest of the poor".

Opening of Nirmal Hriday

Mother Teresa opened the Nirmal Hriday ("Pure Heart") Home for the Dying Destitute in Calcutta, marking a significant step in her charitable work.

Nobel Peace Prize for Charity

Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, globally recognizing her relentless efforts in charity work.

UN Establishes Charity Day

United Nations General Assembly officially established September 5th, the anniversary of Mother Teresa's death, as International Day of Charity.

Mother Teresa Canonized

Mother Teresa was declared a saint by Pope Francis, honoring her lifelong dedication to charitable work.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Day of Charity

Organize a fundraising event

You can organize a fundraising event in your local community and invite people to donate money for a good cause. Use the funds raised to support a charity of your choice.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a local charity

Search for volunteer opportunities with your local charity and offer your services to help out. Some charities may need volunteers to help with administrative tasks, while others may need volunteers to help with events or other activities.

DONATE

Donate items you no longer need

Go through your home and collect items that you no longer need or use. Donate these items to a local charity so they can be used to help those in need.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in a charity run

Look for upcoming charity runs in your area and join them to raise money for the cause. Invite your friends and family to join you for an inspiring day out.

Share information about the charity online

Use social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to spread awareness about the charity you are supporting on International Day of Charity. Share relevant facts, stories, and photos to engage more people.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why International Day of Charity is Important

Fosters global unity

By coming together on this special day of charity, we can remind ourselves that we are all part of a global community. Regardless of our differences, we can unite around the shared values of generosity and compassion, and strive for a brighter future for us all.

Promotes giving and kindness

The International Day of Charity is a day dedicated to promoting giving and selflessness. It encourages people to think beyond themselves and take time out of their day to help those in need. Whether it's donating money or volunteering your time, any act of giving has the potential to make a difference!

Raises awareness for charities & causes

The International Day of Charity also serves as a platform to raise awareness for charities and social causes that are often overlooked. This helps to highlight the importance of advocating for those who may be less fortunate, and celebrates the generous spirit of giving that exists in all of us.

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