159 Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren 3805

P.O. Box 42 Narre Warren LPO 3805

Telephone 03 9794 6315 Fax: 03 9704 6354

ACN 006 946 550 DECEMBER 2002

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THOSE

WHO HAVE LESS –1962 –2002

An Interview with Joan Reid. Roger Hughes.

This year marks the fortieth anniversary of Action Aid Australia, which was started in 1962 by Led Reid. Joan Reid, his very active wife of 83 years of age, still lives in Cranbourne, where the organization started under the name “The Society For Those Who Have Less”. Len is being cared for in an aged cared facility in Cranbourne.

The following is taken from a recent interview with Joan.

Q. Was there any specific incident that induced Len to establish the Society?

A. Len had three missionary cousins who died in India, and when he saw Nehru in India during and official visit, he asked what could be done to help the poor. Nehru’s response was that 200 years of government could not overcome the problems, but that help on a one to one basis would greatly help the poor. Len arranged for six girls at the Society was formed. ( Ed: This occurred before child sponsorship became popular as a means of support)

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