Tomorrow, September 5th, we join the world in celebrating the International Day of Charity — a day dedicated to recognizing the power of compassion, solidarity, and giving.Every year the Missionaries of Charity, the religious Congregation founded by Mother Theresa, celebrates her feast day on 5 September. This date was therefore chosen by the United to honour the memory of Mother Teresa, whose life’s work embodied compassion and service to those in need. Since its declaration by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, the day has served as a reminder and a global platform to highlight the vital role of charities, NGOs, and volunteers in building a better world.
At SpringAid International Development Nigeria, charity is not only about giving material support, but about restoring dignity, hope, creating opportunities, and empowering individuals and communities to fight the root causes of poverty and break free from poverty and hunger. Through our programs in Health Education and Life Promotion (HELP), Local Entrepreneurship Access Program (LEAP), Housing In Social Emergency (HISE), and Credit Advance Platform (CAP) as well as our organising, mobilizing and advocacy activities, we see how even small acts of kindness can grow into lasting change.
The Charities Aid Foundation’s World Giving Index offers a unique insight into how people engage in social activities for the benefit of their communities and to champion the growth of global giving.
Indonesia ranks first on the World Giving Index for the seventh year running, having first overtaken Myanmar in 2017. As many as nine in 10 Indonesians donated money to charity, and more than six in 10 volunteered their time – the country tops the global league tables for both of these behaviours. Malta joins the top 10 for the first time ever. It has an index score of 54 points, up five points on last year, driven mainly by an increase in donating money.
This year’s celebration is a call to each of us: to extend a hand, to share what we have, and to believe that together, we can transform lives. In supporting one another like the Redwood Tree, we are able to stand in solidarity and withstand the storms of life. It is a call to each of us to begin to support NGOS, CSOs and other non-profits doing amazing work for marginalised people and communities across the world.
Charity begins with love — love that builds schools, supports small businesses, provides health education, and gives hope where it seems lost.
As we mark this special day, we honour all our partners, volunteers, and supporters who make our mission possible. Your generosity fuels change, and your compassion lights the path to a more just and inclusive society.
In honour of the International Day of Charity, we’re also celebrating the spirit of giving and the tireless work NGOs do to create lasting change.
Let us continue to sow seeds of hope. Every act of charity counts, and together we can create a future where no one is left behind.
Teddy Ihens
Executive Director
SpringAid Nigeria
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