Australians have an impressive track record of supporting worthy causes, particularly at times when people and communities have been devastated by tragedy.
The Victorian bushfires, the Queensland floods and cyclone Yasi are examples across recent years.
Australians also give generously to many other causes and charities.
But with so many organisations chasing a piece of the charity dollar it is becoming harder for some to raise the money they need or desire.
Despite the level of generosity in Australia, are the number of charity days getting out of hand?
Almost three decades ago, charity- related days were few and far between. Red Nose Day, to raise money for research into SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), was one of the first and caught the community’s attention due to its quirkiness and worthy cause.
Since then many other charities have become reliant on a day of their own to raise funds for their cause.
The list is extensive and a week does not go past without some day being claimed by a charity organisation for the promotion of an innovative fundraiser.
Some are more innovative than others and different causes attract different levels of support.
With only 365 days in the year, the calendar is starting to get crowded.
Attracting attention in the last few weeks are The Biggest Aussie Pie Night which supports Challenge, a charity which assists children with cancer, and on September 28, the inaugural Bright Pink Lipstick Day will be staged by Pink Hope, Australia’s first genetic breast and ovarian cancer support organisation.
Canteen, the Australian organisation for young people living with cancer, has its National Bandanna Day, then there’s Jeans for Genes Day, the Biggest Morning Tea, the Biggest Aussie Barbecue, Daffodil Day, Pink Ribbon Day – and the list goes on and on.
While charities have to raise their funds somehow, the knocks on the door are becoming more frequent and the donations are being spread more thinly.