Compassion is one of our key values at Martin Bullock Lawyers. One way that anyone is able to act with compassion is through charity, by lending a helping hand to the vulnerable or needful through charity.
Today is the International Day of Charity. It is worldwide observance that aims to encourage charitable acts and support of philanthropic efforts and organisations, as well as drawing attention to the issue of poverty.
The day began in Hungary to encourage social responsibility and support for charities. In 2012, the United Nations adopted a resolution (co-sponsored by 44 Member States including Australia) to designate the 5th September as the International Day of Charity.
The United Nations explains that:
“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.”
We underestimate the significance of poverty as a global issue. Millions across the world lack access to important resources such as clean drinking water, electricity and medical treatment. More than 1.3 billion people live on less than $1.25 a day, and almost half the global population (3 billion people) live on less than $2.50 a day. For context, there are only 24.6 million people living in Australia.
Worldwide participation includes through various events and fundraisers, with examples such as the Ice Bucket Challenge, donations by restaurants of the day’s profits, and distribution of woollen blankets.
In honour of the International Day of Charity, try to do an act of compassion today. It may be organising a fundraiser or donating to charity. It may be doing someone a favour without expecting anything in return. It may simply be reaching out to a friend.
Martin Bullock Lawyers supports a number of charities, and we encourage you to do the same. Some of the charities we support include:
- Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC)
- The Justice Project – Manus Island Refugees – Replacement of Confiscated Phones
- GO Foundation
- UNICEF Australia
- Red Cross
- Oxfam Australia
Feel free to donate to one of the above using the links provided, or to a different charity of your choice.
If you need assistance with a legal issue, contact Greg Martin or Jacqueline Wainwright of Martin Bullock Lawyers.