Heifer International's 78th Anniversary

OUR HISTORY

July 14, 2022 marks 78 years of Heifer International. Our work began in 1944 when founder Dan West, a farmer from the Midwest and Church of the Brethren member, had recently returned from feeding weary refugees during volunteer service in the Spanish Civil War.

While passing out meager rations of powdered milk, West was distraught when the milk ran out with children still waiting in line. He realized that they needed "not a cup, but a cow."

Heifer International was born from that simple idea of empowerment, and for 78 years the organization has worked tirelessly to give families a hand up, rather than just a handout. Explore our history and see how donors like you have helped bring over 39 million families out of poverty.

Aid and peacemaking missions in war-ravaged Europe

Germany was one of the many war-torn countries where Heifer worked after World War II. For one displaced family, Penelope the cow made all the difference.

The Seagoing Cowboys

In the years following World War II, more than 7,000 men and women accompanied shipments of cattle, pigs, goats and other livestock across land, sea and air to deliver them to families in Europe.

A heifer named “Hope,” donated by the Coventry Church of the Brethren in Pennsylvania, her calf, and another heifer were delivered to an orphanage in Warsaw, Poland on Christmas day!

One of the seagoing cowboys noted, “What a welcome the children gave these cows!”

Sending relief after the Korean War

After the Korean War, Heifer focused on the needs of orphanages, which were growing by 1,000 children a week. Watch how a gift from Heifer allowed this orphanage to provide for all the children who had found refuge there.

100,000 chicks to Egypt

In the 1950s, 100,000 chicks were sent to Egyptian farmers from New York.

Upon arrival, the chicks were set up in the brooders inside an old royal palace on the outskirts of Cairo, formerly used by King Farouk I, for several weeks until they were old enough to be distributed to small farms. Egyptian farmers used the chicks to improve their income and nutrition.

Ike liked Heifer

Throughout our 78 years of work, we're proud that many world-class leaders have taken notice. In 1957, President Eisenhower donated several of his own prize Angus bulls to a Heifer project in Greece, and in 1972, First Lady Mamie Eisenhower lent her support when she joined Heifer Project International’s Advisory Council.

Even fictional presidents love Heifer. In season 4 of The West Wing, President Bartlett has a photo op to promote our work but gets confused when Heifer sends a goat instead of a cow!

Leading the charge for desegregation

One of Heifer's first projects in the United States was in Mississippi in 1955. A shipment of 15 heifers was distributed to black families, but despite rampant racial inequality in the community, the African-American families felt called to support those in need, no matter their race.

Dan West's vision

Dan West lived his philosophy of peace, justice and simple living while striving for equality for all. He passed away in 1971, leaving behind a legacy of servitude and empowerment.

Learning to thrive with hardy livestock

High altitudes and a harsh climate caused families living in the Andes Mountains to struggle to grow crops. The gift of animals like llamas and sheep, as well as training in sustainable agriculture, allowed these communities to earn a living and become as strong as the Andes themselves.

Reviving tradition

During the 1990s, more than half of the Navajo Nation lived below the federal poverty line. Heifer stepped in to help Navajo sheep farmers improve their commercial wool quality and diversify their herds.

Expanding and education

As the AIDS epidemic ravaged across Uganda, thousands of children were left orphaned and alone. One grandmother found herself as the sole caretaker of her 15 grandchildren. See how Heifer helped ensure she could provide for them all.

A second chance

Throughout Heifer's 78 years of work, over 39 million families have lifted themselves out of poverty. One of those families in Vietnam went from losing everything and sleeping in a pig sty to rebuilding their lives.

You've seen our history - here's what you can do to help create our future

Become a part of the grand mission of ending hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. When you make a monthly gift, you provide vital support every month of the year, giving people steady sustaining support they can count on.

Become a Monthly Donor Today

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