CARE is marking the 80th anniversary of its iconic CARE PACKAGE® by launching a modern version designed to meet today’s global humanitarian crises. The new CARE PACKAGE® for Emergencies aims to reach one million people worldwide by 2030, providing timely, life‑saving support to communities affected by disaster and displacement.
The original CARE PACKAGE® was first delivered in 1946 to families in France recovering from World War II, becoming a universal symbol of generosity and laying the foundation for CARE’s global humanitarian work. Today, with humanitarian needs at unprecedented levels, CARE is renewing that legacy with a scalable tool tailored to the critical first phase after disaster strikes.
The new package is lightweight, portable, and customizable, housed in three waterproof packs containing nearly 40 essential items for shelter, water, cooking, hygiene, and household needs—enough to support a family of four for up to one month. Inspired by India’s dabbawala system, the design allows efficient last‑mile delivery and can be carried by one person, often a woman, while leaving hands free to carry a child.
Grounded in a common global design but adapted to local contexts, the packages include core items such as tarpaulins, solar lights, cookware, and hygiene supplies, alongside locally appropriate additions like mosquito nets, blankets, or insect repellent. This ensures both quality and cultural relevance across diverse emergency settings.
The CARE PACKAGE® for Emergencies has already been piloted in countries including the Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal, Mozambique, and Malawi, reaching nearly 6,000 people with over 1,200 kits. Families reported improved access to safe shelter, clean water, and basic household functionality, as well as greater dignity and stability during crises.
CARE plans to deliver at least 250,000 packages by 2030, prioritizing disaster‑prone regions in Southeast Asia, Sub‑Saharan Africa, and the Caribbean. By combining innovation with community input, the initiative seeks to provide rapid, practical, and human‑centered support in the face of growing global emergencies.
