December 1989 was the month that marked the fall of communism in Romania.

For the first time in many years, Romania opened its borders and revealed its hidden face: the deplorable conditions in orphanages, homes for the elderly, hospitals, and widespread poverty. German volunteers from Malteser Hilfsdienst Deutschland (MHD) immediately realized that Romania needed long-term help. This was the context in which the first volunteers from the Maltese Aid Service in Germany, Austria, and Hungary arrived in our country. Immediately after Christmas 1989, the first humanitarian transport arrived in Timișoara, followed by other shipments to various cities. This large-scale action was only possible with the support of numerous Romanian volunteers, who responded promptly to the MHD initiative. The first Romanian volunteers helped organize the humanitarian aid transports, unload and distribute them, and mediated relations with local authorities. A general enthusiasm took hold of all those involved in these actions. The satisfaction of being able to help, of having the power to bring about positive change, gave them the courage to establish a similar association in Romania (source: www.maltez.ro).

On May 11, 1991, the Maltese Aid Service in Romania was founded in Cluj-Napoca.

Today, 34 years after the official start of our activity in Romania, we continue to dedicate ourselves to all those who are suffering and to celebrate good together.

Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum