Good Deeds Day 2026: Twenty Years of Doing from the Heart
How an idea sparked a global movement of kindness and connection.
When it comes to volunteering and giving back, the possibilities are endless. Every action makes a difference, creating positive change.
Good Deeds Day (GDD), an annual tradition of doing good, will be held on March 10 in Israel and April 12 worldwide. During the event, millions of people in 115 countries around the world are expected to participate in thousands of community projects and volunteering opportunities, putting the day’s central motto “United in Good” into practice.
The vision for Good Deeds Day came to businesswoman, philanthropist, and the founder of Goodnet, Shari Arison, during a moment of inspiration two decades ago. “All of a sudden I had the idea that there’s so many good people in the world. There’s so many good organizations in the world,” said Arison. The idea she envisioned sparked a global movement for people to come together to do good.
20 Years of Good Deeds Day
This year, Good Deeds Day is celebrating 20 years of making a positive impact worldwide.
“I want to reach as many people as possible. I think the world needs every single person, each one in his own way, to do a good deed for the benefit of others. I think when the circles of good, the circles of love, will grow, we'll see a better world for all of us,” said Arison.
In honor of the 20th anniversary, new “Good Deeds Trails” will be established across Israel in collaboration with local authorities. The trails will shine a light on social and community initiatives, give visitors a hands-on experience of doing good, and help connect them with meaningful volunteering opportunities.
As part of this year's events, Israel’s Arab sector will celebrate GDD in conjunction with the month of Ramadan, with numerous activities and volunteering opportunities planned for the day. “We are proud to see how this initiative connects all factions of Israeli society – Jews and Arabs, secular and religious, young and old – around the common denominator of giving and mutual responsibility,” said Rafi Elul, Chairman of Ruach Tova of the Arison Group.
A Variety of Ways to Make a Difference
Good Deeds Day will also spotlight projects that connect populations, support defense forces and their families, make communities stronger, and nurture the planet. Volunteers can participate in cross-community dialogue sessions, joint workshops for children and the elderly, beach and nature reserve cleanups, preparing thank-you baskets for reserve servicemen, and thousands of other local initiatives.
To participate, register on the Good Deeds Day website and choose your way of doing good. You can get involved near your home, at work, on your own, or with a group or nonprofit.
Whichever way you choose to participate, you’re bound to make a positive difference. Every act of kindness helps create a more connected and caring world for all.
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Good Deeds Day, an annual global day of doing good, is the pinnacle of doing good year-round. Initiated in 2007 by businesswoman and philanthropist Shari Arison, Good Deeds Day has grown to 115 countries with millions of participants. Good Deeds Day 2026 will be on April 12.
