The International Day of Charity was established with the objective of sensitizing and mobilizing people, NGOs, like The Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) and stakeholders all around the world to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities. International days are occasions to educate the general public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool.
The date of 5 September was chosen in order to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 “for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace.” For over 45 years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned and dying, while guiding the Missionaries of Charity’s expansion, including hospices and homes for the poorest and homeless. Mother Teresa’s work has been recognized and acclaimed throughout the world and she has received a number of awards and distinctions, including the Nobel Peace Prize. Mother Teresa died on September 5th 1997, at 87 years of age.
In recognition of the role of charity in alleviating humanitarian crises and human suffering within and among nations, the General Assembly of the United Nations designated the 5th of September, the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, as the International Day of Charity.
Each international day offers organizations like COFI and offices of the United Nations system, and most importantly, governments, civil society, the public and private sectors, schools, universities and, more generally, citizens, the opportunity to make an international day a springboard for awareness-raising actions.
To commemorate the International Day of Charity, the InnerCity Mission (ICM), under the auspices of The Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) coincided it’s campaign “One Million Acts of Charity” with the global day, by providing various aid to people in need.
Many families are going through tough times especially now because of the global crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. They need compassion and kindness, and everyone can make a difference by donating much-needed food to a family in need. The International Day of Charity gives the volunteers of COFI the opportunity to express kindness to those in need. When you give charity, you are directing God’s blessings and favor to the poor through your gift.
Another consequence of poverty is lack of access to adequate drinking water and poor hygiene, which is also a major challenge for the poor. Children can go days without having proper baths because they can’t afford basic hygiene tools such as bath soap, or fall ill due to contaminated water sources. You can provide basic hygiene tools for the poor people around you such as; sanitary pads, bath soap, clean water kits, toothbrushes, hand sanitizers, toothpaste etc. These easy health solutions could save the lives of many, especially in areas where medicare is inaccessible.
Volunteers for COFI in the Cameroon took part in the “One Million Acts of Charity” campaign in commemoration of the International day of Charity. Elizabeth Mepha, Ulrich and Naomi Nosheu visited 12 cancer patients at Yaounde General Hospital, where they shared God’s message of love and hope and also gifted toiletries to the patients. It was heartwarming to see and hear the patients express their gratitude for being remembered. Being a part of the ongoing “One Million Acts of Charity” campaign is so rewarding as volunteers put smiles on the faces of many around the world.
COFI volunteers in North East Nigeria, Ajiya from Maiduguri Chapter reached out to 20 children in Pompomari Community, Borno state as part of the ongoing “One Million Acts of Charity” campaign.
Gloria Anene from Maiduguri Chapter, a volunteer in North East Nigeria, took part in the campaign by giving health talks to indigent children at Mammy Market, Giwa community Borno state about hygiene and sanitation. She also gifted them with sanitary pads to commemorate the International Day of Charity.
In the United Kingdom, volunteers to part in the “One Million Acts of Charity” campaign by organizing a bake sale in Newcastle to raise funds for poor families in teh area. Donations of non Food items were also gifted to the needy alongside the Rhapsody of Realities.
Humanitarian Volunteer Network (HVN) volunteer, Charles Mkandawire teaches children from first to sixth grade, vocabulary and Mathematics at Lusaka, Zambia for 2 and a half hours every week. His classes are always interactive, which makes the children anticipate his coming and keeps them attentive in class. Charles not only has academic classes but also mentors the children within in his community. Just like Charles, volunteers are called on to model classes to suit the special needs in their communities.
Most orphanages are understaffed and lack basic amenities to care for the orphans in their custody. You can bring joy and blessings to them by donating food to any orphanage around you in commemoration of the ”International Day of Charity”. You can also commemorate the International Day of Charity with The InnerCity Mission’s “One Million Acts of Charity” campaign by donating food to families in need. Tell us what “Charity Day”means to you by using the hashtag #ICMDayOfCharity and make a donation today: https://icm.ngo/donate
We would like to thank all our partners and volunteers for all their efforts in ensuring that indigent children who could not afford online learning are not left behind in their academics. As a new school year begins, many children are getting ready to go back to school and there are millions of children who still need our help. Make a real impact with the International Day of Charity by sponsoring a child in our Back to School campaign https://cofi.online/sponsor-an-education-with-cofi-end-child-poverty/