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Good Deeds Day is an international day of volunteering. Beginning in 2007, its mission is to unite people from around the world in doing good deeds for others and the planet.

Background
This day of community service was launched in 2007 in Israel by businesswoman and philanthropist, Shari Arison, through Ruach Tova, a Nonprofit organization that connects between people who want to volunteer and organizations in need of assistance.

Speaking about the day, initiator Shari Arison said: "I believe that if people will think good, speak good and do good, the circles of goodness will grow in the world. Good Deeds Day has become the leading day of giving and this year individuals, school children, students, soldiers and employees from many businesses are joining in for the annual Good Deeds Day with the aim of doing a good deed for others."

History
Approximately 7,000 people participated in Israel in 2007. The day became global in 2011, with participants outside of Israel, including in the USA, Ukraine and Poland. In 2012, project organizers teamed up with MTV Global for a six-week-campaign on its online and TV platforms, exposing the message to 24 million viewers around the world. Good Deeds Day in 2017 will be on Sunday, April 2, 2017.

In 2016, Good Deeds Day’s 10th anniversary, approximately 1,500,000 participants from 75 countries volunteered, marking it the largest and most global day yet. To celebrate, project organizers held mega events in New York City, Sao Paulo, Brazil and Rome, Italy.

Good Deeds Day and Ruach Tova are part of The Ted Arison Family Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Arison Group.

Good Deeds Day in Israel
Good Deeds Day (Hebrew: יום מעשים טובים) first began in Israel in 2007 with 7,000 participants and grew to 70,000 in 2010. Local municipalities, companies, and nonprofit organizations all around the country participate by organizing special activities in their communities, renovating or painting buildings, building community gardens, and volunteering in many other ways for populations in need. Cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem also host special Good Deeds Day events that are open to the public, such as the 2016 “Counselor’s Boulevard” that took place on Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv. Professionals gave free counseling sessions to passersby. Other public events include the 2015 Good Deeds Day nonprofit Fair at Rabin Square, Tel Aviv, and Ashkelon, which included hair donation stands, dog adoption area, and a give-and-take market.

Good Deeds Day outside Israel
In 2011, International branches of israeli companies Shikun & Binui and Bank Hapoalim were among the first international participants in Good Deeds Day outside of Israel. As of 2016, Good Deeds Day is celebrated in 75 countries worldwide, and has collaborated with major cities such as Rome, São Paulo, Kaohsiung City, and New York City to create special events. In the Good Deeds Day event at Herald Square, New York City, actor and activist Adrian Grenier supported the day by speaking at the event: "It’s important to have a day in which we acknowledge wonderful people who are dedicated to doing good."

Pope Francis endorsed the day in his Sunday sermon prior to Good Deeds Day 2015 in Rome and said: "I send my wishes to the numerous groups of volunteers that have united to show solidarity by doing good deeds that promote a better society."

Dates
* Good Deeds Day became international in 2011.

Awards
Good Deeds Day received the George W. Romney Affiliate Excellence Award in 2016.