05 Sept 2025
International Day of Charity cheat sheet:
What is it? A UN day to promote charitable efforts, inspired by Mother Teresa
When is it? Every year on 5th September
How to celebrate? Donate, volunteer, spread kindness in your community
smol’s role: Donate a Wash scheme, partnership with The Hygiene Bank, and employee volunteering days
In a world that can feel a bit overwhelming at times, charity is a reminder that kindness still counts.
Whether it’s a helping hand or a kind donation, giving back has the power to turn someone’s day (or even their whole year) around. That’s why International Day of Charity is the perfect way to celebrate generosity in all its forms.
what is International Day of Charity?
Launched by the United Nations in 2012, the International Day of Charity shines a light on giving in all shapes and sizes; whether it’s giving your time or money or resources… it all counts.
It’s held in honor of Mother Teresa, whose lifetime of compassion remains a global symbol of selfless service. The day invites individuals, businesses, and communities to make their mark, no matter how small the act.
when is International Day of Charity?
It’s celebrated every year on 5th September, which marks the anniversary of Mother Teresa’s passing in 1997.
It’s a date set aside for the world to come together and celebrate generosity and it reminds us that giving doesn’t just have to just happen at certain times of the year, it’s something we can embrace all year round!
how to celebrate International Day of Charity.
1. volunteer your time.
Many smol team members use their paid volunteering days to support local Hygiene Bank hubs, or other community projects. Sorting donations, picking litter, community gardening… there’s no shortage of volunteering opportunities out there.
Looking for inspiration? Have a browse on here.
2. donate a wash.
Through our ongoing partnership with The Hygiene Bank charity, it’s never been easier to help those living in hygiene poverty. Simply switch on Donate a Wash within your laundry or dishwash plan, and you can gift laundry washes to people in need around the UK.
It’s a great feeling to know that every donation directly helps someone keep their clothes clean and their dignity intact.
3. support local causes.
Whether it’s a hygiene bank, food bank, animal rescue centre, or community litter-picking group, many charities rely on everyday people stepping in to help. A kind donation, no matter how small - can go a very long way for a lot of charities.
4. spread the word.
You might be surprised at how helpful it can be to simply share charity initiatives on your social channels.
Awareness fuels action, and who knows? Your post might inspire someone else to get involved.
smol’s impact.
Through embracing our Donate a Wash scheme our customers have donated more than 3 MILLION washes to The Hygiene Bank.
Our long-term partnership with this charity is incredibly important to us and the work they do to ensure hygiene essentials reach those facing hygiene poverty, is stellar.
International Day of Charity is all about small acts of kindness that can have a big ripple effect. Whether you’re donating, volunteering, or simply sharing about a cause that you care about, you’re part of something much bigger than the act itself.
So this 5th September, let’s make a difference.
International Day of Charity FAQs.
what’s the aim of International Day of Charity?
It raises awareness of charitable work and encourages people around the world to get involved in giving back, whether through donations, volunteering, or community support.
why is it on September 5th?
The date marks the anniversary of Mother Teresa’s death in 1997 and it was chosen in recognition of her incredible life of charitable service.
how can I get involved if I can’t afford to donate?
Volunteering, sharing causes on social media, or offering practical help to someone in your community are all meaningful contributions.
what is smol’s Donate a Wash scheme?
It’s our way of helping tackle hygiene poverty by sending laundry washes to The Hygiene Bank, who distribute them through community partners across the UK.
does charity really make a difference if it’s just a small gesture?
Absolutely. Small, consistent acts from LOTS of people create a HUGE impact over time. Now… where have we heard that before?...