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In honour of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, United Nations General Assembly decided that the 5th of September shall become the day of charity, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of her death. This day serves to raise awareness for charity and to push people to donate their time to hosting or participating in fundraising events. The day itself does come from historical and religious backgrounds but can be used for as little as a simple donation to your local or a worldwide charity. 

Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu, known widely as Mother Teresa, was a founder for Missionaries of Charity (MC), a religious institute that provided services for a wide range of people in need. The charity homed people who were dying with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis patients, leprosy, refugees, abandoned and neglected children, former prostitutes, and mentally ill patients. Open kitchens, medical clinics, schools, orphanages and counselling programs were also available to those in need. Members of the MC had to vows to the Evangelical Counsels (also known as the Counsels of Perfection) which were gospels from Jesus for those that desired to be perfect - the three vows being chastity, poverty, and obedience. Two remarks the MC stood for were "Give wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor" and "Do all you do with love". Mother Teresa won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. 

There are several medias that expresses an insight on Mother Teresa's life and work including an authorized biography, a book by Malcolm Muggeridge 'Something Beautiful for God', and a film based on letters that Mother Teresa would write to dear friend and spiritual advisor Celeste van Exem, a Vatican priest - 'The Letters'. To match the controversies of Mother Teresa's beliefs and views on abortion and contraception, there are also books that expand on the indictments of the cult of Mother Teresa 'The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice'. 

Worldwide and locally, there are many charities that you can involve yourself with, all raising money and awareness for all kinds of causes; animal shelters, charities for seniors, charities for the homeless, organizations for those with specific physical or mental health problems,  environmental charities, disaster relief, research organisations, etc. 

If you are looking to help via fundraisers, here are some interesting ways you can participate. 
School fundraisers can include book day, non-uniform day (uniformed wearing schools), sports games, school disco, spelling bees and school clean up. It's a great way to involve school kids and teach them about the importance of charity. 
Animal fundraisers can include sponsoring an animal of choice, guessing an animal name/breed competitions, animal food donations, and grooming and spa days. A load of brilliant ways to capture the hearts of animal lovers alike, all with a good cause. 
Workplace fundraisers can include cycling/walking to work instead of commuting via public transport or car, car share / car pool, choosing an annual charity, sponsored silence, dress down day / pyjama day, and a swear box. Despite being a place you earn your money, there are several ways you can give back and this can include matched donations or payroll giving. 
Individual / grouped fundraisers can include donating hair, walking/running/cycling events, bungee jumping, skydiving, afternoon tea, karaoke night, quiz night, quitting smoking, quitting alcohol, and most commonly with men, growing facial hair for a month - Movember. You can find charities that will happily send out starter kits for your fundraiser. 

We hope this finds you in good health and if you are ever in a position to donate or help a charity, please do so.