When I logged on to check my email the other day, in the midst of the spam and the action items, I found an uplifting email from Best Buddies International.  Best Buddies is a charitable organization whose focus is on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).  The email was highlighting one of their program participants, her success in her job role, and the benefits of her employment both to her and the company.  It was a heart-warming story and made me smile.  While the heartwarming stories are important, it’s the last part of that sentence I want to highlight: the benefit to the company. 

September 5th is recognized as International Day of Charity.  According to the United Nations Website, The International Day of Charity was established with the objective of sensitizing and mobilizing people, NGOs, and stakeholders all around the world to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities. The 5 of September was chosen in order to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 "for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace.