International Day of Happiness – why helping makes us happy!

International Day of Happiness was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. 

It was created in a bid to raise awareness of the things within our lives that make us happy and is celebrated on 20th March each year.

 

Everyone faces hard and trying times, but through it all there will always be something you can be grateful for. Family, friends, a roof over your head and food in your belly. These all seem like the basics and it would be easy to take them for granted. In such humbling times I think it’s important that we hold everything close and breathe a sigh of relief, because we are so incredibly lucky to have what we do.

One of the things that can bring happiness to so many people is giving back to your local community and the people in it. Coming together to make amazing things happen can ultimately change lives. This is totally achievable with the right attitude so let’s celebrate what makes your local community great! With happiness being described as a ‘fundamental human goal’ by the initiative it’s up to us to make it happen.

 

International Day of Happiness – Happiness for all, Ukraine 

This years campaign theme for ‘International Day of Happiness’ is ‘Happiness for all, Ukraine‘ so to start us off here are just some of the places you can donate to in aid of the Ukraine Crisis Appeal…

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army are on the ground in Ukraine, supporting those displaced by the crisis and helping to provide emergency accommodation, food and toiletries.

British Red Cross

Red Cross have worked tirelessly to provide critical care to the people who need it most. Not just in Ukraine but also bordering countries.

Save the Children

With families being forced to either flee or hide in basements or bomb shelters to escape the impact of explosions, ‘Save the Children’ are on hand to help with clean water and food.

 

Local Heroes

Next I’d like to point you in the direction of some of the wonderful people we have featured in our magazines lately. If they don’t inspire you to get out and make a change then nothing will! Each article has been so lovingly written to really highlight how amazing real people can be and what a difference they can make to their communities.

World Autism Awareness Day in Lewes

Tackling misconceptions and helping others to understand the realities of living with autism is the aim in Lewes.

Find A Voice Charity Ashford

We think that Find A Voice is such an amazing cause and it was a pleasure to learn more about how they are helping those who struggle with speech and communication.

Ashford Samaritans

With 50 years of service it’s no wonder the Ashford Samaritans are being celebrated by our team at CommunityAd.

The voluntary heroes of Hampshire Search and Rescue

The wonderful team at Hampshire search and rescue work tirelessly 365 days-a-year to assist the police. Read the article to learn more about how the work and support the vulnerable.

Maddie the School Dog at Eastry C of E Primary School

Maddie has been a hit with the kids at Eastry C of E Primary School and this article highlights just how important the conversation around children’s mental health is. perfect for “International Day of Happiness”.

Sevenoaks Heroes Eliza Ecclestone and Claire Ritchie

Every town needs a duo like Eliza and Claire who have been helping to clean up and feed their communities with the amazing initiatives “Sevenoaks Lockdown Larder” and “Care for our Community”.

Natasha’s Challenge for Pilgrims Hospices, Thanet

Jumping into this one head (or feet) first with a fantastic article featuring Natasha Karczewski and her amazing fundraising efforts for Pilgrims Hospices.

Beach Creative Herne Bay

You can learn more about what’s in store for Beach Creative by checking out this great article all about the growing creative community in Herne Bay.

Autism Awareness Day Herne Bay

Raising awareness is so important and April is just around the corner. Will you be doing anything to mark the occasion?

James Banbury’s Epic Journey for School in Whitstable

James Banbury is the 8-year-old wonder who has raised over £155 for his school. Let’s all give him a round of applause for his selflessness.

 

I hope that this article has contributed in a positive way to your ‘International Day of Happiness’.

CommunityAd is devoted to supporting our local heroes and their causes. We’re so lucky to be able to connect with our readers from so many communities across the UK. Positive news stories are something that can change your day for the better and that’s what it’s all about isn’t it?