International Day of Charity 2017 observed globally

5 September: International Day of Charity

The International Day of Charity was observed across the globe on 5 September 2017 to commemorate the death anniversary of Mother Teresa who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her charity work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress.

Mother Teresa was born as Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in 1910. In 1928, she went to India and devoted herself to helping the poor. In 1950, she founded the order of Missionaries of Charity in Kolkota (Calcutta) which became noted for its work among the poor and the dying in that city.

Mother Teresa died on 5 September 1997 at 87 years of age. She was proclaimed as a Saint by Pope Francis on 4 September 2016.

Background
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 5 September as International Day of Charity  on 17 December 2012 through its resolution A/RES/67/105PDF. The  day was first celebrated in 2013.