Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Carlisle, Eugene D. (Eugene Dale)
- Abstract:
- The collection contains historical accounts of and administrative records produced by Direct Relief International (DRI).
- Extent:
- 0.99 Linear Feet; (1 document box, and 69 audiocassettes)
- Language:
- English . and English .
- Preferred citation:
-
[Identification of Item], Direct Relief International oral history, OH 33. Department of Special Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The collection mainly consists materials related to interviews conducted with Direct Relief International (DRI) staff and other individuals regarding the establishment history of DRI and its founders Wilhelm (William) Zimdin and Dezso (Dennis) Karczag.
Also included are published materials like annual reports and promotional materials, administrative documents, and newspaper clippings.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Direct Relief International is a non-profit medical assistance organization based in Santa Barbara, California. Since 1945, Direct Relief has been sending shipments of medical supplies and equipment worldwide to help the victims of civil unrest, natural disasters and chronic poverty. Direct Relief was founded by William Zimdin, an international financier, real estate mogul, and philanthropist who made Santa Barbara his home from 1945 to 1951, the last years of his life.
Zimdin, an Estonian immigrant, became one of the world's wealthiest men, then was twice forced to flee his home to escape political tyranny. He managed to escape with at least some of his vast wealth intact. But he was well aware that other refugees were not so fortunate. In 1948 he established a charitable foundation as a means of assisting refugees who remained in Europe after World War II. The organization provided food, clothes, and medical supplies to devastated areas; after the initial purpose was achieved, Direct Relief continued to fulfil its mission to aid those in distress due to wars or natural disasters.
Direct Relief has provided medical support with new and used medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and supplies to over 3,000 charitable health facilities worldwide. The organization receives product contributions from manufacturers, distributors, hospitals, and health clinics which it redistributes to eligible recipient facilities. Direct Relief ships more than $30 million dollars a year (wholesale value) in medical and pharmaceutical goods, and manages to do so with an exceptionally low administrative overhead of less than five percent. The organization has provided medical assistance to 150 countries, including various areas of the United States. Direct Relief's most extensive recent programs have involved aid to earthquake victims in Turkey, to the Central American communities devastated by Hurricane Mitch, and to the Kosovo refugees in Albania and Macedonia.
For additional information: DRI web site: http://www.reliefnet.org/rnet/dri.html Carlisle, Dale, A History of Direct Relief International, ©1998. Santa Barbara Independent, Vol.14, No.706, June 1-8,2000, "In Memoriam: Dezso (Dennis) Karczag, 1904-2000," an appreciation and obituary by Ken Grimwood. Santa Barbara News-Press, 5/31/00, obituary for Dezso Karczag. Dezso Karczag Papers (Mss 58).
- Acquisition information:
- Donated by Eugene D. Carlisle, 1994, 1998; additional material donated from DRI, ca. 2001-2003.
- Arrangement:
-
This collection is arranged by topic into two series:
- Series 1: Administrative materials
- Series 2: Oral history materials
- Physical location:
- Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The collection is open for research.
- Terms of access:
-
Copyright has not been assigned to the Department of Special Collections, UCSB. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Department of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained.
- Preferred citation:
-
[Identification of Item], Direct Relief International oral history, OH 33. Department of Special Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.
- Location of this collection:
-
UC Santa Barbara LibrarySanta Barbara, CA 93106-9010, US
- Contact:
- (805) 893-3062