Today in History

1944 CORSO formed

As the end of the Second World War approached, individuals and groups began to recognise the massive aid effort that would be required to rehabilitate war-torn nations. While fighting continued overseas, a group of New Zealanders concerned with the provision of aid met and decided to join forces, forming the Council of Organisations for Relief Service Overseas (CORSO). Among the organisations represented at the meeting were the co-convenors: the New Zealand Red Cross Society, the National Council of Churches and the Society of Friends (Quakers). 

CORSO and similar bodies formed overseas assisted the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) in their aid efforts. They developed publicity material, raised funds and ran clothing drives, sorting and packing the proceeds. They also provided relief workers to complement UNRRA's paid staff. CORSO's first overseas mission saw teams with medical, dental and welfare personnel depart for Greece in December 1945. After UNRRA withdrew from Greece towards the end of 1946, most members of the CORSO team also gradually withdrew. But this did not mark the end of CORSO's involvement in Greece. Back home, CORSO encouraged support for an international Greek Village Adoption Scheme and provided funds to ongoing aid efforts. 

Many countries have benefited from CORSO's efforts. The organisation became increasingly involved in the developing world and also spoke out about poverty in New Zealand.

Image: women packing groceries for CORSO (see full image on Timeframes)