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For more than 80 years, ChildFund has been working to end poverty for children in the world’s most vulnerable communities.
For more than 80 years, ChildFund has been working to end poverty for children in the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Moved by the devastation of the Sino-Japanese War of 1937 – which displaced millions of families – Dr Clarke decided to act.
From their home in Virginia USA, Dr Clarke and his wife Helen launched a nationwide fundraising appeal for displaced children.
Despite the pressure of the Great Depression, Dr Clarke found enough willing supporters to enable him to establish China’s Children Fund (CCF). The Clarkes used their own money for stationery and postage.
Soon the organisation sent their first contribution of US$2,000 to support local initiatives in China – US$43,000 in today’s money.
Dr Clarke continued to write and appeal for assistance. By the end of 1939, CCF had sent a total of US$13,000 (US$295,000 today). The funds supported the KuKong orphanage and a school in China.
Eight decades later, CCF has evolved into the ChildFund Alliance. This global network of child-focused development organisations works with children and families in 70 countries.
Starting in 1938, ChildFund is one of the world’s oldest child-focused development organisations.
First known as China’s Children Fund, the charity was founded by humanitarian Dr J Cavitt Clarke.