Tools for Peace developed in the early 1980's to provide humanitarian aid to Nicaragua. It grew out of a 1981 visit of union and community activists from British Columbia. Upon returning home the BC tour members gathered supplies to send to Nicaragua, an action which inspired similar initiatives across Canada. By 1983 Tools for Peace had become a dynamic national movement, with head offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Managua and committees across Canada. For a decade Tools for Peace enjoyed the support of thousands of Canadians and raised more than {dollar}12 million in aid for the Nicaraguan people. The Tools for Peace National Office provided coordination and leadership for the regional Tools for Peace committees. Its varied roles included planning of organisational initiatives, policy development, information distribution, development of promotional and educational resources, coordination of political action and liaison with related organisations.