Members of the public have been urged not to relent in works of charity.
The advice comes from some goodspririted individuals who think that charity is not only in cash but can be expressed in diverse ways.Correspondent Blessing Ituma interacted with them in PortHarcourt in commemoration of the international day of charity.
“Charity is kind, charity is sacrificial as exemplified by Jesus Christ in the Bible. In the Quran, Charity encompasses Zakat, that is alms giving. Be it Christianity, Islam or other religions, Charity is a show of compassion not based on request. It is in recognition of the importance of charity that the United Nations designated 5th of September annually as International Day of Charity.”
“The date was chosen in order to commemorate the anniversary of the passing of Mother Teresa, who received a number of awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize and died on 5th September 1997, at 87 years of age.”
The 2025 observance focuses on spreading global generosity and strengthening community support which Reverend Sister Mary Dorin explains: “Charity begins at home. Show the love to those that you’re living with before going out. Everybody needs this love.
There are some specifically that need it, especially those who don’t have it. Then we show them love by giving them something. Not, hey, God bless you. God loves you. Practice it.”
Hardship, lack and challenges should not deter charity works as stated by the Head of Social Works in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Professor Daniel Uranta.” people are suffering in þjis çountry, untold hardship. So, I want to encourage people to give out. If you see, if you hear what people are going through, you will pray for this country. So charity will be another gateway to help people.”
Public health physician, Dr Nera Kadiri-Eneh thinks that beyond money, charity can offer health outreaches, education and protection for the vulnerable.
“One of the most powerful and lifechanging ways you can do charity is through medical outreach. Imagine communities where people live in pain and illness, simply because healthcare is out of reach. So expensive,too far or simply unavailable.
Medical outreaches bring not just doctors and nurses but hope directly to those who need it most” she said.”For so many, this outreach is their only hope to receivetreatment or receive vital information that could save their lives. When we support and participate in medical outreaches, we do more than treat illness, we restore dignity We reduce suffering and offer a chance for a healthier, fuller life.
That is charity in its purest, offering relief where it is desperately needed and sharing compassion in action” Kadiri-Eneh stated.
She added, “So today, I invite all of us to give through this special way. Remember, charity is not just about what you give but the love you pour into giving. As Mother Teresa would say, it’s not about how much we give, but how much love we put into giving. May we always give ŵith love especially in the gift of health.
“For Mr Temple Igani, a resident of PortHarcourt, you do not need to ask before you help.” I pray for those that are within and around me. Then, definitely, if I have something like materials, I give to them.
Also, many that come around me. I dont need to ask them if they are in need. Just observe their way of doing things, then, give with that underrstanding” Igani stated.
Another resident however advises people to be cautious and wise.”The criminal stood on the road with a gun on him, but concealed. He flagged down a car, the man stopped and gave him a lift, and he robbed the man of the car. Till today, the man never saw the car. This is what he did out of charity, but he landed himself in trouble” he said.
To this Reverend Sister Mary Dorin says, do charity, as you are led.
Be it to the ophans, the physically challenged, the internally displaced persons or help on the streets, the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development requires, strong partnerships among governments, organizations, civil society, businesses, you and I working together.
Let us make it work.
