At the heart of this global movement stands Shari Arison, who initiated Good Deeds Day twenty years ago with a powerful and simple belief: doing good can, and should be part of everyday life. What began as a vision has grown into a worldwide tradition, uniting people across cultures, communities, and generations through acts of generosity and care.
As Shari Arison reflects: “Good Deeds Day, the annual peak event of year-round activities of doing good, has grown into a twenty-year tradition. This day serves as an example that shows us how our world can always be – every day of the year.” Her words capture the essence of the movement – not just a single day of action, but a way of living.
A Vision That Became a Global Movement
Good Deeds Day started with a simple goal: encourage everyday people to do good. Over the years, that idea has taken on a life of its own.
To better understand the inspiration behind Good Deeds Day and its impact over the past 20 years, we invite you to watch this special interview with Shari Arison, where she shares her vision and reflections on the journey of the movement:
From an Idea to a Worldwide Tradition
Since its founding, Good Deeds Day has grown far beyond its origins. Today, it is celebrated in communities across the globe and serves as the annual highlight of year-round doing-good activities.
Individuals, schools, nonprofits, companies, municipalities, and entire communities take part – each contributing in their own way, guided by local needs and shared values. The result is a movement that is both global in reach and deeply personal in impact.
Celebrating 20 Years: The Good Deeds Trail
In honor of the 20th anniversary of Good Deeds Day, a special initiative — the Good Deeds Trail was created to highlight social and community work and to offer visitors an interactive experience of doing good.
The trail brings the spirit of Good Deeds Day to life, allowing participants not only to observe meaningful initiatives, but to actively take part in them, reinforcing the idea that everyone has a role to play.
Focus Areas for This Year
More Than a Day — A Way of Life
After 20 years, Good Deeds Day continues to demonstrate that kindness is not limited by geography, language, or background. When people come together around shared values, meaningful and measurable change is possible — not only on one designated day, but throughout the year.
As Good Deeds Day enters its third decade, the message remains consistent and clear: kindness matters. Whether you are volunteering with a local organization, assisting someone in your community, or taking a simple action to help others, every good deed contributes to positive impact.
Register your project and join us on April 12 as part of the global Good Deeds Day movement.
