Humanitarian act is an act of kindness and sympathy extended universally to all human beings. Humanitarianism originating in Christian acts was an important influence in European thought. It became expressed in philantrophy and social welfare. Philantrophia in Greek means loving what it is to be human. It was to end suffering, torture, and cruel punishments. It continues to be an act to end human poverty and creulty.
Bono (U2) and the Gates (Bill and Melinda) in 2005 were named the Persons of the Year by the Time magazine. Their common goal is to make poverty history. In 2005, Bono convinced the leaders of the world's richest countries to forgive $40 billion in debt owed by the poorest nations. So now, those countries can spend the money on health and schools instead of interest payments. He named his organization DATA for debt, AIDS, trade, Africa to capture what he stands for. The Gates built the world's biggest charity with a $29 billion endowment. http://www.gatesfoundation.org/ The inventor of the Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, in 2010 was named the Person of the Year by the Time magazine. On Dec. 9, 2010, Mark Zuckerberg joined forces with Bill Gates and Warren Buffett pledging to give away at least half his wealth over the course of his lifetime.
"Be the Change: Save a Life is a global health initiative to bring attention to today's most pressing health challenges, and to inspire people to act. It is devoted to gathering stories, offering solutions, and acting as a clearing-house for people who want to know more, get involved, or volunteer." You can read stories and learn about solutions at http://www.saveone.net/
Scott Harrison the founder of Charity: Water went from promoting top nightclubs and fashion events in NYC to volunteer in the world's poorest nations and ultimately creating the humanitarian organization. "Charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. 100% of public donations directly fund water projects. Almost a billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water. Unsafe water and a lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of all disease and kill more people than all forms of violence, including war." You can read more at http://www.charitywater.org/
Sean Penn, actor and founder of The Haitian Relief Organization, is another great humanitarian trying to make a difference in the world. His organization stands for "saving lives and bringing sustainable programs to the Haitian people quickly and effectively. You can follow Sean Penn's progress at http://jphro.org/
CNN Heroes are everyday people changing the world. You can learn more about the heroes and their humanitarian acts from past years or nominate a hero at http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/
Mother Teresa, born in Albania, moved to Calcutta, India, to serve the city's poor. She devoted her life to the poorest of the poor and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work. In 1950 she established the Missionaries of Charity. The mission was carried to five continents in 87 countries. She said "I have been told I spoil the poor...well, at least one congregation is spoiling the poor, because everyone else is spoiling the rich."
Dr. Albert Schweitzer born in Germany in 1875, was the world's greatest concert organists, who at the age of 30 entered medical school to have his share in ending "the misery which lies upon the world." In 1913 he sailed to now Gabon and opened a clinic. He ministered to the sick of Africa until his death in 1965. In 1952 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work.
Andrew Carnegie, the Scottish-born, made his fortune in steel industry. In 1901 he sold his company to J.P. Morgan and devoted his life to giving his money away. He wrote "this, then, is held to be the duty of the wealthy to consider all surplus revenues which come to him simply as trust funds, which he is called upon to administer...in the manner which, in his judgement, is best calculated to produce the most beneficial results for the community." In 1911 the Carnegie Corporation was born and became a model for philanthropy.
The Red Cross was founded in 1863 by Henry Dunant in Geneva, Switzerland. The worldwide movement is to care for the war victims, the victims of natural disasters and to prevent and relief suffering. In 1881 Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross. The Red Cross exists in almost every country in the world. It was awarded Nobel Peace Prize on three occasions in 1917, 1944 and 1963.
Saint Francis of Assisi, Italy, was a son of wealthy cloth merchant, who went from living the high-spirited life to living in poverty and nursing the lepers. He preached on the streets and collected the followers. He founded the Franciscan Order, which grew quickly. In 1228 he was pronounced a saint by Pope Gregory IX. He is known as the patron saint of animals and the environment.
