United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration was an international relief agency founded in November 1943 on the joint initiative of the United States, the Soviet Union, Britain and China. Its purpose was to "plan, co-ordinate, administer or arrange for the administration of measures for the relief of victims of war in any area under the control of any of the United Nations through the provision of food, fuel, clothing, shelter and other basic necessities, medical and other essential services". Of the aid, 70% originated with the United States, but 44 countries participated in the relief in Europe and Asia. It became part of the United Nations (UN) in 1945 and was dissolved in September 1948. Its staff of civil servants included 12,000 people, with headquarters in New York. Funding came from many nations, and totalled $3.7 billion, of which the United States contributed $2.7 billion; Britain, $625 million; and Canada, $139 million.