Samaritan Federation (ASB) Germany

“Our mission is to help” – is the guiding principle of the Workers’ Samaritan Federation (ASB) in Germany that was founded in 1888 by six carpenters in Berlin. Together with a group of dedicated physicians, they organised first-aid courses for workers in shops and factories to enable them to help themselves and others in emergency situations. The ASB has meanwhile become an aid- and welfare organisation comprising 16 Land Associations and 224 divisions at municipal, district and regional level as well as 111 Limited Companies throughout Germany. It is both politically and denominationally independent and works in accordance with humanitarian and democratic principles. More than 20,000 full-time staff and over 17,000 staff working as volunteers or in an honorary capacity are engaged in ASB activities. Over 1.1 million people support the charitable association through their membership.

Foreign aid

More self-evident assignments arise in the aftermath of wars and natural disasters, which is when the ASB comes in to help the population affected. In areas of acute crisis, the ASB renders immediate help by supplying food aid and medical assistance. Other main focuses of ASB’s foreign aid is remedying the consequences of war by means of reconstruction activities and epidemic control following major natural disasters. The European Union, the Federal Government, the German state governments, corporations and private donors support these activities.