Date
Saturday
May
17

May 17

Shades Day

Brighten up your day on Shades Day, support a worthy cause and help struggling families experience the joy of a much-needed holiday break!

Type
Day

Introduction

Get ready to protect your peepers and give back at the same time because Shades Day is coming on May 17! This day is all about donning your favorite sunglasses and putting the spotlight on a unique and impactful charity - the Family Holiday Charity in the UK. Conceived by this amazing, kind-hearted non-profit, Shades Day is celebrated on the closest Friday to the United Nations’ International Day of the Family. With the vibrant spirit of ensuring that no family is left without the joy of a holiday break, Shades Day is a wonderful opportunity to unite for a worthy cause, make a difference, and of course, keep your style quotient high with your favorite shades. So this May 17, let's come together, put on those cool shades and spread some sunshine for families in need!

Shades Day Timeline

1999
Family Holiday Charity Formation
The UK-based Family Holiday Charity is formed, aiming to provide holidays for struggling families.
2012
First Family Support
The first family is supported with a holiday break thanks to the funds raised by the Family Holiday Charity.
2015
Shades Day Inception
Shades Day is conceived as a unique fundraising and awareness event to support the mission of the Family Holiday Charity.
2016
First Shades Day Celebration
The very first Shades Day is celebrated on the closest Friday to the United Nations’ International Day of the Family.
2019
National Recognition
Shades Day gains national recognition across the UK, increasing awareness and support for the Family Holiday Charity.
2021
Continued Success
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shades Day succeeds in raising funds and awareness, continuing to provide holiday breaks for families in need.

How to Celebrate Shades Day

1

Don your wildest shades

Perhaps the easiest way to celebrate Shades Day is to don your most creative pair of sunglasses. Sparkly, oversized, brightly colored, or uniquely shaped – use this day as an opportunity to make a statement and generate conversation about the importance of Shades Day and the cause it supports.

2

Host a sunglasses-themed party

Organize a party and encourage everyone to wear their favorite sunglasses. It's a fun way to bring people together, create memorable moments, and start conversations around the significance of Shades Day. You could even take donations at the door to contribute to the Family Holiday Charity.

3

Design your own sunglasses

For those with a creative spirit, why not design your own pair of sunglasses for Shades Day? This could be a fun way to engage children in the event, and educate them about philanthropy and the importance of giving to others. Make sure to share the results on social media to spread awareness of the cause!

4

Participate in a Shades Day fundraiser

Look for local businesses, schools, and community centers hosting Shades Day fundraisers. These events often have fun themes and activities centered around sunglasses, making it a unique and exciting way to support the cause.

5

Donate to the Family Holiday Charity

And of course, Shades Day is all about helping families in need. Consider making a donation to the Family Holiday Charity to help them support families needing a holiday. Every contribution, no matter how small, could potentially bring a smile to a child and their family.

Why We Love Shades Day

A

The Celebration Supports a Worthy Cause

Shades Day allows us to support struggling families in a fun and creative manner. It is about being mindful and empathetic about the hardships others are facing and raising funds for the Family Holiday Charity. The contributions received can help uplift families and bring smiles to their faces with a much-needed holiday break.

B

It Reignites Public Engagement & Philanthropy

Shades Day rekindles public engagement, spreading awareness about the difficulties faced by less fortunate families. It also boosts philanthropy, encourages charitable donations, and fosters a sense of community involvement. Its spirit rests on giving and bringing joy to suffering families, reinforcing the importance of these values in society.

C

It's Fun & Fosters Creativity

Celebrating Shades Day simply calls for putting on your favorite, funkiest sunglasses! It gives free rein to style and creativity, be it through designing your sunglasses or hosting a thematic party. The blend of playful celebration with the promotion of a noble cause makes Shades Day loved by all!