September 5 is the International Day of Charity! This event highlights the role of charity in facing global challenges, overcoming crises, and empowering communities.

The theme for this year is “Global Solidarity to Eradicate Poverty”. The United Nations recognizes that eradicating poverty in all its forms is an indispensable requirement for sustainable development.

Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, including poverty. It also promotes the rights of the marginalized and underprivileged, empowering them to rise above their circumstances.

For this celebration, we are highlighting nine charitable organizations that are alleviating poverty and strengthening communities globally.

<ol><li>Caritas (Global): Caritas Internationalis is a confederation of over 160 members working at the grassroots in almost every country. Caritas is the Latin word for love and indeed, the organization transforms lives and serves the underprivileged by promoting charity and justice. Caritas strives for a world where the voices of the poor are heard, and each person is free to live in peace and dignity. </li><li>Pitchon-Lev (Israel): Pitchon-Lev aims to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty in Israel through programs in education, humanitarian services, and welfare. The organization stands committed to empowering the underprivileged, regardless of gender, religion, and race. Each year, Pitchon-Lev aids over 160,000 people. </li><li>UDYAMA (India): UDYAMA aims to strengthen marginalized communities and enable them to work towards sustainable development in India. The organization promotes community resiliency and self-reliance through programs in education, skills development, food security, WASH training, disaster risk reduction, and biodiversity conservation. </li><li>Child’s Dream (Thailand): Child’s Dream fights poverty and inequality in the Mekong region: Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. It is dedicated to improving the health and education of children and youth for sustainable development. The organization believes that educated and empowered people shape and sustain fair, just, and healthy societies for generations to come. </li><li>Project PEARLS (Philippines): Project PEARLS aims to help the poorest of the poor children by giving them PEARLS: Peace, Education, Aspiration, Respect, Love, and Smiles. The organization’s programs are focused on helping children reach their full potential through education and literacy, healthcare and nutrition, and empowerment through skills development. </li><li>Hope for Children (Latvia): Hope for Children aims to bring hope to children and families in Latvia who are suffering due to poverty, homelessness, sickness, and addiction. The organization provides food, clothing, shelter, and financial support to those in need. It also operates daycare centers, family support centers, and foster homes. </li><li>SiGMA Foundation (Malta/Ethiopia): SiGMA Foundation empowers underserved individuals and communities through fundraising activities, charity work, education programs, and skills training. Currently, the organization has several education and health projects in Ethiopia. </li><li>Excellent Development (United Kingdom/Africa): Excellent Development, now called Sand Dams Worldwide, supports the world’s poorest people by transforming their lives through water and soil conservation in drylands. The organization partners with local groups in several African countries to introduce sand dam technology and educate the public about sustainable development. </li><li>FN Foundation (United States): FN Foundation provides financial assistance, food, clothing, housing, and other basic supplies to people in need. The organization aims to support poverty-stricken individuals and families and help them improve their lives. </li></ol>

Charity Day calls for a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focused on serving the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. Join charities around the world in the fight against poverty. Start or support charitable campaigns today!