Every year on 5 September, people across the globe mark the International Day of Charity. It’s a moment to celebrate compassion, generosity and solidarity.
The day was officially declared by the United Nations in 2012 to honour the passing of Mother Teresa on 5 September 1997. Known worldwide for her tireless work with the poor in Kolkata, Mother Teresa’s name became a symbol of selflessness and service. The UN chose this date to remind the world of the lasting impact that one person’s dedication to others can have.
Since then, governments, charities, schools, businesses, and communities have embraced the International Day of Charity as a call to action. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the importance of giving and to ask ourselves: What can I do today to make a difference?
Why Charity Matters in the UK and Beyond
Charity, at its core, is about recognising need and responding with compassion. It helps create stronger, more equal communities and offers hope to people facing hardship.
1. A Global Perspective
Charities are often the first to respond when disasters strike. They provide:
- Emergency relief during earthquakes, floods, or conflicts.
- Long-term development programmes, such as education and clean water.
- Medical aid, including vaccines and treatments in areas where healthcare is limited.
Without charitable action, millions of people worldwide would be left without vital support.
2. The UK Context
Here in the UK, charities form the backbone of community life. They:
- Run food banks, ensuring families don’t go hungry.
- Provide housing advice and shelter to people at risk of homelessness.
- Fund medical research into cancer, heart disease, and rare conditions.
- Offer support groups for mental health, young people, carers, and older residents.
For many, the help provided by charities is life-changing. In some cases, it’s life-saving.
The Role of UK Charities Today
The need for charities has never been greater, yet the sector also faces unprecedented challenges.
1. Rising Demand for Services
The cost of living crisis has put a huge strain on households. Food banks are seeing record demand, while debt advice services and housing charities are stretched to capacity.
2. Funding and Resource Pressures
At the same time, many charities are struggling with reduced funding. Donations are under pressure as people manage tighter budgets, and grants are more competitive than ever. This combination, rising demand with limited resources, makes the work of charities more difficult but also more urgent.
3. Charity Registration and Public Trust
Trust is central to giving. In the UK, all charities must be registered with the Charity Commission (or OSCR in Scotland, CCNI in Northern Ireland). Registration means they are accountable, publish annual reports, and are monitored for transparency.
For donors, this system provides reassurance. By checking a charity’s registration number, you can be confident your donation will be used responsibly.
Inspiring UK Charities Making a Difference
Thousands of registered charities across the UK make an impact every day. Here are just a few examples:
- FareShare – Tackles food waste and hunger by redistributing surplus food from supermarkets to community groups and charities.
- Shelter – Works to end homelessness and provides advice for people facing housing difficulties.
- Macmillan Cancer Support – Offers medical, emotional and financial help to those living with cancer.
- The Trussell Trust – Supports a nationwide network of food banks, giving emergency food and support to people in crisis.
These examples highlight the diversity of the sector, from health to housing, from food poverty to social support. Each registered charity shows how collective action can change lives.
How to Get Involved in the International Day of Charity
You don’t need to be wealthy or have lots of spare time to make a difference. Every contribution, large or small, helps. Here are some practical ways to take part:
1. Donate to UK Charities and Causes You Care About
- Give money to a registered charity, either as a one-off or through a monthly gift.
- Donate goods such as clothes, toys, or furniture to charity shops.
- Contribute to food banks with long-life products.
Even a small donation can make a big impact.
2. Volunteer Your Time and Skills Locally
- Offer your professional skills, from IT support to bookkeeping.
- Join community volunteering projects such as mentoring, gardening or meal delivery.
- Help at local fundraising events.
Volunteering is not only rewarding, but it also builds stronger communities.
3. Fundraise with Friends, Schools or Workplaces
- Host a bake sale, quiz night, or sponsored walk.
- Encourage your school to run a charity non-uniform day.
- Get your workplace involved in a team fundraising challenge.
Fundraising brings people together and spreads awareness while raising money.
4. Raise Awareness Online and in Your Community
- Share posts from charities you support on social media.
- Talk about the causes you care about with friends and colleagues.
- Put up posters or hand out flyers for local events.
Awareness leads to action; the more people who know about an issue, the greater the support it receives.
5. Corporate Giving and Business Partnerships
Businesses have a big role to play. On the International Day of Charity, companies can:
- Match employee donations.
- Give staff paid volunteering days.
- Partner with charities on long-term projects.
This not only benefits communities but also strengthens employee morale and brand reputation.
Key UK Charity Dates and Fundraising Events 2025
The International Day of Charity is part of a wider calendar of giving. Other important UK charity dates to look out for include:
- Macmillan Coffee Morning – 27 September 2025
- BBC Children in Need – November 2025
- Giving Tuesday – 2 December 2025
- Comic Relief: Red Nose Day – March 2026
These events raise millions each year and remind us that giving can also be fun and creative.
The Impact of Charity in the UK
Behind every donation or act of volunteering, there’s a real person whose life is changed.
Imagine a young parent struggling to put food on the table. A referral to a food bank means their children can eat a hot meal that night. Or consider an older neighbour who feels isolated. A charity volunteer visiting once a week may be the only friendly face they see.
These small acts may not make headlines, but for the individuals involved, they mean everything. Charity isn’t just about global campaigns; it’s also about the quiet moments of kindness that restore dignity and hope.
Final Thoughts
The International Day of Charity 2025 is a reminder of the power we all hold to make a difference. Whatever you choose to donate, volunteer, fundraise, or basically share a message of support, your actions matter.
Charities in the UK face growing challenges; however, they continue to provide essential services and hope to millions. They cannot do this without the support of individuals, businesses and communities.
This 5 September, take one small step, donate to a cause you care about, give a few hours of your time, or help raise awareness. Because every act of charity counts. And when we act together, the impact is extraordinary.
