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Finding Aid to the Direct Relief International oral history OH 33
OH 33
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Title: Direct Relief International oral history
Identifier/Call Number: OH 33
Language of Material:
English.
Contributing Institution:
UC Santa Barbara Library, Department of Special Research Collections
Physical Description:
0.99 Linear Feet;
(1 document box, and 69 audiocassettes)
Creator:
Carlisle, Eugene D. (Eugene Dale)
Date (inclusive): 1987-2003
Abstract: The collection contains historical accounts of and administrative records produced by Direct Relief International (DRI).
Physical Location: Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library
Language of Material:
English
.
This collection is arranged by topic into two series:
- Series 1: Administrative materials
- Series 2: Oral history materials
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).
The collection is open for research.
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.
Donated by Eugene D. Carlisle, 1994, 1998; additional material donated from DRI, ca. 2001-2003.
[Identification of Item], Direct Relief International oral history, OH 33. Department of Special Collections, UC Santa Barbara
Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.
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.
Dezso Karczag Papers. Mss 58. Department of Special Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.
The Karczag Papers contain the handwritten autobiography by Dezso Karczag [Dennis G. Karzag], co-founder of Santa Barbara-based
Direct Relief International, along with supporting correspondence, articles, clippings, documents, photographs, and reports,
ca. 1920s-1991.
Carlisle, Eugene D. (Eugene Dale). A History of Direct Relief International : An International Relief Charity since 1948.
California: [Eugene D. Carlisle], 1998.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
International relief -- California -- Santa Barbara -- History
Records (documents)
Annual reports
Promotional materials
Oral histories
Interviews
Sound recordings