Established by the United Nations on September 5, the International Day of Charity was chosen to commemorate the date that Mother Theresa passed away. Mother Theresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for worldwide work fighting to overcome poverty and alleviate suffering.
First observed by the Hungarian Parliament and Government in 2011, the day is celebrated with the goal of “sensitizing and mobilizing people, NGOs, and stakeholders worldwide to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities.”
While some people hear paternalistic connotations in the word 'charity,' the U.N. believed that charity, like the notions of volunteerism and philanthropy, provides real social bonding and contributes to creating inclusive and more resilient societies.
Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises and supplement public services in health care, education, housing, and child protection. It assists the advancement of culture, science, sports, and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. It also promotes the rights of the marginalized and underprivileged and spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations."
BOSS believes in any and all impulses and actions, whatever you want to call them, that contribute to the greater good -- or the interest of a single person in need of help.
Charities bring together people who care about a cause so they can make a difference --by assisting in various ways. Still, the main courses provide direct help, information, or raising awareness of an issue and aim to prevent or relieve poverty or advance the arts, culture, heritage, or science.
Please celebrate this day by making a donation, volunteering, or telling two people in your lives about BOSS' work and how to get involved!
Donations help BOSS operate life-changing programs that provide love, respect, safety, and a sense of belonging to individuals, families, and communities impacted by deep poverty and systemic inequities --- assisting those in need right now while fighting to change the underlying systems of injustice and inequity.