The Annual Meeting of the Canadian Historical Association was held on July 29, 1947, at a meeting called by the United Nations Association in Canada, at the request of the Department of External Affairs. The meeting aimed to discuss and establish an organization to coordinate Canadian contributions to UNESCO's relief efforts. About 105 Canadian organizations and institutions with educational, cultural, and scientific interests were invited, and over fifty sent delegates despite the short notice and summer timing of the meeting. The meeting was informed of the urgent need in many devastated countries for basic educational materials, ranging from pencils for children to textbooks and advanced technical training equipment. These needs were estimated at $100 million for 1947 alone. It was decided to implement Canadian participation in UNESCO by organizing the efforts of voluntary associations and departments of education represented at the meeting, as well as others willing to cooperate. A council consisting of delegates from all participating organizations and an executive committee of fifteen members was established. It was tentatively suggested that the objective for 1947 should be at least $2 million in cash and an indefinite amount of goods. It was also decided to approach the Dominion and provincial governments for grants toward clerical assistance. The Executive Committee was directed to immediately discuss ways and means, communicate with member organizations, solicit their aid, and organize a national campaign for UNESCO relief by collecting money and materials to be sent to countries in need.The Annual Meeting of the Canadian Historical Association was held on July 29, 1947, at a meeting called by the United Nations Association in Canada, at the request of the Department of External Affairs. The meeting aimed to discuss and establish an organization to coordinate Canadian contributions to UNESCO's relief efforts. About 105 Canadian organizations and institutions with educational, cultural, and scientific interests were invited, and over fifty sent delegates despite the short notice and summer timing of the meeting. The meeting was informed of the urgent need in many devastated countries for basic educational materials, ranging from pencils for children to textbooks and advanced technical training equipment. These needs were estimated at $100 million for 1947 alone. It was decided to implement Canadian participation in UNESCO by organizing the efforts of voluntary associations and departments of education represented at the meeting, as well as others willing to cooperate. A council consisting of delegates from all participating organizations and an executive committee of fifteen members was established. It was tentatively suggested that the objective for 1947 should be at least $2 million in cash and an indefinite amount of goods. It was also decided to approach the Dominion and provincial governments for grants toward clerical assistance. The Executive Committee was directed to immediately discuss ways and means, communicate with member organizations, solicit their aid, and organize a national campaign for UNESCO relief by collecting money and materials to be sent to countries in need.