CARE International’s history in Austria
After World War II, large parts of Austria laid in ruins, with thousands of families facing starvation. Urgent humanitarian relief was needed, particularly in Vienna.
At the time, CARE had recently been founded in the United States to provide post-war aid. Austria was one of the first countries to receive support.
From 1946-1955, CARE distributed over 1 million food aid and basic supplies in the form of CARE PACKAGE® boxes. The emergency aid kits had everything from non-perishable food to blankets and wool fabric.
The CARE package is an icon of Austrian history and, as such, known to many people.
Thanks to the communities’ hard work and international support, Austria gradually recovered from the war’s devastating impact. In time, the country was able to help others facing similar challenges around the world.
In May 1986, CARE Austria was founded as the eighth member of CARE International. Till this day, it supports communities facing crises — much like the one Austria experienced in the past.
CARE Austria’s work today
Today, CARE Austria works alongside partners and communities across the world to fight poverty, as part of the CARE International Confederation.
In 2024, CARE Austria and our partners successfully implemented 71 projects in 32 countries. Most of these initiatives were in countries in Africa and the Middle East.
Projects focus on:
- empowering women and girls,
- promoting peace and security,
- providing humanitarian aid,
- and protecting the climate and environment.
Focus on women and girls
CARE Austria’s work focuses on humanitarian aid based on women’s and girls’ specific needs and rights. Our support includes:
- Increase access to food and nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene
- Training courses on business skills
- Increased access to education
- Psychosocial support during crises
- Establishing micro savings groups (Village Savings and Loan Associations)
- Protection
And many other activities.
Learn more about CARE Austria’s work here.
