World Caring Day on June 7 is an opportunity for everyone to practice caring, which is needed now more than ever. An initiative of the nonprofit organization CaringBridge, the day encourages everyone to appreciate those who care, and to care for them just as much. By sincerely asking how someone’s day went, it shows that you care, and can improve that person’s overall well-being. And in today’s competitive world, having someone who genuinely cares is a blessing.
All acts of caring — big or small, are important, however, it is in times of upheaval when caring matters the most. For instance, when someone is facing health issues or a certain medical condition, that’s when your support and care can really make a difference. Your loved ones should know that they are not alone on this journey. You can learn more about how to keep track of someone’s health journey and read stories about others on the CaringBridge website.
History of World Caring Day
World Caring Day was inspired by an event in 1997, with the nine-day life of a baby named Brighid. Born prematurely, the first CaringBridge website was created on June 7, 1997, after software engineer Sona Mehring realized that there should be a better way to keep friends and family updated on the baby’s health. With friends and family able to coordinate online, it allowed them to provide necessities and comfort to Brighid and her family. This was quite revolutionary, considering there weren’t prominent social media platforms in existence at the time.
This simple act of caring triggered a domino effect, resulting in a global network called CaringBridge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting family and friends with their loved ones during a health journey and helping them to provide care, comfort, and unwavering support. In 2021, an estimated 45 million people from all around the world visited CaringBridge, with 1,900 messages of hope, care, and love posted every hour on the CaringBridge portals for loved ones.
In 2022, the idea to celebrate the first-ever World Caring Day was initiated by CaringBridge. Everyone is invited to inspire others through stories of hope and care, and to recognize, thank, and celebrate those who go the extra mile to show they care. Stories are shared and can be viewed on www.worldcaringday.org
World Caring Day timeline
CaringBridge is created for friends and family to stay updated on the health of a newborn baby girl, Brighid.
By the end of the year, there are 50 personal websites on CaringBridge that have 4,900 visits.
CaringBridge.org hits one million views, individual contributions hit $500,000, and, by the end of the year, there are 19,585 personal websites with 18,409,496 visits.
CaringBridge founder Sona Mehring’s first book, “Hope Conquers All: Inspiring Stories of Love and Healing from CaringBridge” is published.
World Caring Day FAQs
What is a better word for ‘caring’?
Synonyms for caring include kind, empathetic, considerate, and compassionate.
What does it really mean to be caring?
Caring is love, it is as simple as that. Showing up for someone, truly expressing your concern, and being kind to them, regardless of biases and the nature of the situation, is what caring for someone is really all about. By default, empaths and sensitive people are more compassionate towards others.
How can I create a website on CaringBridge?
Simply sign up to start your website for a loved one on a health journey by using the free and ad-free online tool. Learn more about it on the CaringBridge website.
How To Celebrate World Caring Day
Share your story
Head over to www.worldcaringday.org and share your story of caring for a loved one through a challenging health journey. You can also read stories of others to feel inspired.
Show up for a loved one
Today is the day to show up for your loved ones. Spend time with your friends and family, listen to them, and care for them in whatever way you can. Just having a meaningful heart-to-heart conversation can do wonders.
Join the conversation
Spread the word. You can boost the movement by sharing acts of kindness and using the hashtag #WorldCaringDay on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
5 Simple Ways You Can Care For Your Loved Ones
Sincerely ask how someone is doing
With intent and meaning, ask someone how they really are to find out what is going on in their lives.
Be mindful of the needs of others
Be alert and sensitive to what triggers your loved ones, and help them navigate the shifts in their mood.
Connect online
Reconnect and catch up with your friends and family living far away, or with those you haven’t spoken to in a long time.
Make time for your loved ones
We know everyone gets busy but don’t become a stranger to your friends and family.
Write a note
You’d be surprised by how big of an impact little notes of encouragement can have on the mood and well-being of others.
Why World Caring Day Is Important
No one should go through a health journey alone
Going through health issues is one of the most difficult and trying periods in a person’s life. It is crucial for everyone suffering from injuries, illnesses, diseases, or other health complications that they don’t have to endure all of it alone, and that they have all the warmth, love, and support that they need. CaringBridge makes staying up to date on this journey easier for both caregivers and those receiving care.
Being human
Sharing and becoming inspired by the stories of others gives us hope. It balances the world we live in, creating optimism and the hope that good will always prevail.
Practicing small acts of caring
World Caring Day is here to encourage everyone to practice acts of caring, no matter how small. We don’t need extravagant displays of care and affection to always make a difference. Remember, it’s often the little things that matter the most.
World Caring Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | June 7 | Wednesday |
2024 | June 7 | Friday |
2025 | June 7 | Saturday |
2026 | June 7 | Sunday |
2027 | June 7 | Monday |