Standing together on International Day of Charity: The power of collective giving

Every year on 5th September, the world comes together to mark International Day of Charity, a day that reminds us of the profound impact we can have when we choose to help others. This special day was established with the objective of sensitising and mobilising people, NGOs, and stakeholders all around the world to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities.

A day to remember Mother Teresa's legacy

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." Her dedication to serving those in greatest need continues to inspire millions around the globe, showing us that even small acts of kindness can create waves of positive change.

The International Day of Charity was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, transforming what began as a Hungarian civil society initiative into a global movement that reaches every corner of our planet.

Why charity matters more than ever

In today's world, the gap between those who have and those who have not continues to widen. This day serves as a reminder of the critical role that charity plays in alleviating poverty, addressing humanitarian crises, and fostering solidarity and social cohesion. When we give, whether through donations, volunteering our time, or simply spreading awareness, we're not just helping individuals; we're building stronger, more resilient communities.

The UN recognizes that volunteering and philanthropic work provides social bonding while creating resilient societies. Giving to those in need helps to alleviate the worst effect of humanitarian crises. In the UK, millions of people face clothing poverty, struggling to afford the basic dignity of clean, appropriate clothing for work, school, or daily life.

The ripple effect of your generosity

At Clothing Collective, we see first-hand how charitable giving creates ripples of positive change that extend far beyond the initial act of kindness. When someone receives the charity shop gift vouchers we provide for them to buy clothing, it's not just about having something to wear, it's about dignity, confidence, and the ability to participate fully in society. It's about children being able to attend school without shame, adults being able to apply for jobs with confidence, and families being able to face each day with renewed hope.

Any charitable donation, big or small, money or time, can go a long way to helping solve some of the world's worst problems, and clothing poverty is one that we can tackle together, right here in our communities.

Small acts, big impact

You don't need to be wealthy to make a difference. International Day of Charity celebrates all forms of giving - from the teenager who volunteers at a local charity shop to the pensioner who knits scarves for the homeless. The day encourages everyone to participate in charitable efforts, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness.

Every donated item, every hour volunteered, every pound contributed, and every social media share about our work helps us reach more people who need our support. It's about creating a society where everyone has access to the basic necessity of appropriate clothing.

Join the global movement

This International Day of Charity, we invite you to join a global community of changemakers. Whether you're looking to clear out your wardrobe, volunteer your time, or support our work financially, there are countless ways to get involved and make a real difference in someone's life.

Remember, charity isn't just about giving, it's about building connections, fostering empathy, and creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. When we stand together, we can tackle even the biggest challenges facing our communities.

How can I support Clothing Collective?

Ready to make a difference this International Day of Charity and beyond? Here are the ways you can support our vital work:

Donate clothing: Clear out your wardrobe and give pre-loved clothes a new life. We accept good quality clothing for all ages and sizes, helping families across the UK access affordable, dignified clothing options.

Volunteer your time: Join our team of dedicated volunteers who help us in many ways - from creating content, to liaising with partners, to being a Trustee. Your time and skills can make an enormous difference to our operations and the people we serve.

Make a financial donation: Your monetary contributions help us to directly purchase Charity Shop Gift Cards to give to people in need across the UK.

Corporate partnerships: If you represent a business, consider partnering with us through workplace clothing drives, employee volunteering days, or corporate donations.

Fundraising: Organise sponsored events, charity runs, bake sales, or other creative fundraising activities in your community, workplace, or school.

Spread the word: Follow us on social media, share our posts, and tell friends and family about our work. Awareness is often the first step towards creating lasting change.

Visit our Support Us section at clothingcollective.org/support-us to learn more about how you can get involved and help us continue making a difference in the lives of those experiencing clothing poverty across the UK.

Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the dignity and confidence that comes with having appropriate clothing. This International Day of Charity, let's make every donation, every volunteer hour, and every act of kindness count.