“CARE Then and Now” Interactive exhibition

Did you know that people in the UK were among the first recipients of international aid? When World War 2 ended 70 years ago, hardship in the UK and across Europe was far from over. Food shortages and rationing continued for several years – and many thousands of families in the UK benefited from ‘CARE packages’ containing food and other essential supplies, sent through the charity CARE by people in the USA who wanted to help us in our hour of need.

This exhibition tells the story of CARE packages THEN and NOW – showing how the same concept of ‘the kindness of strangers’ still underpins the help that people in the UK give to people in need across the world. Through hands-on exhibits and interactive installations, you can explore the evolution of international aid, reliving the memories of some of the original recipients of CARE packages in the UK and Europe after World War 2, and finding out more about the modern-day CARE packages that bring much-needed help to people in need – from Syrian refugees and families in South Sudan fleeing from war, to women across Africa coming together to save money, start businesses and work their way out of poverty.