"Our mission is to help" – this is the guiding theme of the Workers' Samaritan Federation Germany that was founded by six carpenters in Berlin in 1888. Together with a group of dedicated physicians they organized first-aid courses for the workers in shops and factories to enable them to help themselves and others in emergency situations. Meanwhile the ASB has turned into an aid and welfare organization comprising 16 subnational and 259 regional branches active throughout Germany. The ASB has no political or religious affiliation and receives financial support from more than 1.1 million members. The ASB's tasks extend from rescue services to a host of social services and foreign aid.