International Good Deeds Day: 115 countries, millions of participants, sparked by 1 woman’s drive

The initiative, which began two decades ago in Israel, has grown into an annual focal point for community service, featuring hundreds of thousands of projects worldwide.

Businesswoman and philanthropist Shari Arison, who initiated Good Deeds Day 20 years ago, said the event has become a unifying global tradition.

“Good Deeds Day, the annual peak event of year-round activities, has already become a 20-year tradition, bringing and connecting goodness around the world,” Arison said.

This year’s event took place on April 12, with participation spanning countries including Jamaica, Poland, the US, Zimbabwe, Portugal, the Dominican Republic, Togo, Croatia, India, the UK, Uruguay, Haiti, Tanzania, and Germany, among others.

The theme for 2026, “United in Good – 20 Years of Doing Good from the Heart,” emphasizes individual action, encouraging people to contribute through acts both large and small.

Events were held worldwide, reflecting a range of community-focused initiatives.

In the United States, Arison took part in Miami-based activities organized in collaboration with local Jewish organizations. Hundreds of participants prepared and distributed meals for the elderly and collected clothing donations.

Reflecting on the initiative’s expansion, Arison said, “Seeing it globally has really touched my heart, and the fact that we have so many partners around the world that have connected and have taken it upon themselves as if it’s their own is so amazing.

“Millions more are joining in around the world, and hopefully it will continue to grow more and more.”

In Moldova, thousands of participants took part in hundreds of projects across dozens of cities. In Malawi, all 28 regions participated in activities such as visiting the elderly, with thousands of volunteers involved.

Mongolia reported participation by more than 25,000 people alongside over 600 organizations across 21 provinces. The lead-up to the day included a youth-led campaign titled “MY PROVINCE – MY GOOD DEED,” aimed at encouraging community involvement.

In Haiti, activities expanded to 13 cities, with more than 4,000 participants involved in projects impacting 13,000 people, focusing on healthcare, support for vulnerable populations, and women’s empowerment.

Across Cambodia, thousands participated in environmental initiatives, including cleanups and tree planting, with student involvement reported in seven provinces.

In Kenya, where the government has officially recognized Good Deeds Day as a national day of service, thousands took part in projects ranging from environmental cleanups to business education for women and youth engagement programs.

Meanwhile, Panama marked more than a decade of participation, with the day continuing to bring together NGOs, businesses, educational institutions, and government bodies for coordinated nationwide activities.

Organizers say the initiative continues to expand its reach, positioning Good Deeds Day as both a symbolic and practical driver of volunteerism throughout the year.