CARE (the full form 'Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere' is almost never used) is one of the largest private international humanitarian organizations in the world, with programmes in over 72 countries. World-wide staffing exceeds 12,000, most of whom come from the nation they assist.

CARE (originally Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe), was founded in 1945 by Wallace Campbell to provide relief to survivors of World War II. The relief came in "CARE Packages", which were U.S. Army surplus 10-in-1 food parcels left over from the planned U.S. invasion of Japan. The service let Americans send the packages to friends and families in Europe. Each CARE Package cost $10 and was guaranteed to reach its addressee within four months.

The CARE web site says about its name that "^*hen CARE began in 1945, the name stood for 'Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe'." As CARE's activities broadened, this was changed to the "Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere". Today the name is used in its own right rather than as an acronym.

Official mission

CARE's Mission (from http://www.careusa.org/):

Our mission is to serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world. Drawing strength from our global diversity, resources and experience, we promote innovative solutions and are advocates for global responsibility. We facilitate lasting change by:

• Strengthening capacity for self-help
• Providing economic opportunity
• Delivering relief in emergencies
• Influencing policy decisions at all levels
• Addressing discrimination in all its forms

Guided by the aspirations of local communities, we pursue our mission with both excellence and compassion because the people whom we serve deserve nothing less.

See also

• CARE is a Non-governmental organization and a Private voluntary organization.
• Margaret Hassan

External links

• CARE global homepage
• A brief History of CARE
• Charity Navigator's Rating of CARE

International charities | Development charities | Atlanta-based organizations

CARE International | Care International | CARE International