1945: International Aid for Austrian Children – Swiss Donation

The period immediately following the end of the Second World War in Austria was characterised by poverty, hunger and distress. The country stood on the brink of economic collapse. Supplying the population with food and clothing was a major problem that could only be solved through international aid. Children and adolescents were particularly affected by malnourishment and thus, more susceptible to diseases. Foreign aid organisations such as the US, British and International Red Cross began to deliver food and other goods to Austria. UNICEF organised Austria-wide nourishment programmes.

The Aid Programme, “Swiss Donation to the Victims of War”, created by the Swiss Federal Assembly and present in over 18 countries between 1944 and 1948, also became active in Austria. It provided humanitarian aid and supported the reconstruction of war-torn Europe. In Austria, the “Swiss Donation” introduced measures to combat hunger. Food was thus transported to Austria – in November 1946 alone, Switzerland delivered 21 tonnes of fruit to Graz in the course of the “Swiss Fruit Collection”. Its activities also included agricultural and medical assistance through to clothing and shoe donations. With financial support, the establishment of childcare facilities in places such as Graz and Vienna (Special Kindergarten Swiss Donation) was expedited. Switzerland also made it possible for Austrian children and adolescents whose health was at risk to spend several months on holiday in Switzerland with host families. The first children’s train (Kinderzug) was already on its way to Switzerland from Vienna in November 1945.

Starting in 1947, children and adolescents were also sent to Belgium: the “butter children” (“Butterkinder”) were to be accommodated and taken care of by Belgian families until they regained their strength. Later, Austrian children also found accommodation in Denmark, England, France, Ireland, Luxemburg, the Netherlands and Norway.