From the moment of our founding in 1882, charity has been the first principle of the Knights of Columbus. We are men of faith and men of action. Last year alone, in addition to raising and donating more than $158 million to charitable needs and projects, Knights volunteered more than 70 million hours of their time to charitable causes. 

We undertake these acts of charity because we see those in need through the eyes of faith. Moreover, in the Knights of Columbus, we approach these acts of charity together. Pope Benedict XVI calls this the "practice of love...as a community."