International Day of Charity 2024: History, Significance, and Top 10 Quotes by Mother Teresa

Observed annually on September 5, the International Day of Charity is marked in the memory of Mother Teresa. Established by the United Nations General Assembly, this day aims to raise awareness among individuals, NGOs and stakeholders about the importance of participating in charitable activities. It serves as a valuable opportunity to unite people in support of charity events and contribute to the welfare of the most vulnerable members of society. Mother Teresa, the renowned Nobel Peace Prize winner, passed away on September 5, 1997, at the age of 87.

International Day of Charity: History

September 5 was chosen as the International Day of Charity on the death anniversary of Mother Teresa, renowned for her dedication to helping the distressed and needy. In 1950, she founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata (Calcutta), which became famous for its work with the underprivileged and dying.

For over 45 years, she served the sick, orphaned and impoverished while guiding the expansion of her organization both in India and internationally.

Her work has been recognised and acclaimed throughout the world. In recognition of the role of charity in alleviating humanitarian crises within and among nations, the General Assembly of the United Nations designated September 5 as the International Day of Charity in 2012.

The day was first initiated by the Hungarian civil society in 2011 with the support of the Hungarian Parliament and Government.

International Day of Charity: Top 10 Quotes by Mother Teresa

1. If you judge people, you have no time to love them.
2. Peace begins with a smile.
3. We fear the future because we are wasting today.
4. Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.
5. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.
6. Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
7. Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.
8. Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired.
9. The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.
10. It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.

International Day of Charity: Significance

The day calls upon all citizens around the world to do charitable work and improve the lives of people fighting deadly diseases, imparting education, protecting children, providing food security, etc.

Charity can alleviate the effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care, and help with education, housing and child protection. It encourages advancements in culture, preserving culture and natural heritage, science, and sports.

The day helps in bringing balance in society by working towards providing necessities and helping those who need them the most. Charities help harness the power of community and teach the young generation about generosity.