Greek War Relief Association

The Greek War Relief Association was a relief organization for Greek civilians created during World War II. Founded by prominent Greek-American businessmen, along with railroad tycoon Harold Vanderbilt and film industry executive Spyros Skouras, the association provided economic relief to Greeks following World [War II in Greece|Italian and German invasions]. Aid was especially focused on food and medicine to mitigate the severe famine of the winter of 1941/42.
Films such as Fantasia and Gone with [the Wind (film)|Gone with the Wind] opened with gala premieres with proceeds benefiting the Greek War Relief Association.
In a multinational agreement which included Nazi Germany, the GWRA continued to deliver supplies to Greece following Occupation of Greece by [Nazi Germany|occupation] in 1942. Three neutral Swedish-flagged ships were chartered, along with Swedish and International Red Cross workers to distribute the cargos. Between 1942 and 1944, roughly 75-million USD in aid was sent to Greece from abroad.