By the downfall of the totalitarian system in Romania, the new political and social conditions made possible the founding of charitable organizations which were supported by the new legislation. On this background, in spring 1991 the Romanian Maltese Relief Organisation (SAMR) was registered as legal entity taking over the motto of the Sovereign Order of the Knights of Malta: `Defence of the Faith and assistance to the poor and the suffering`. During its 19 years of existence the association has developed a secure and viable network, first in the regions mainly populated by Roman Catholics, later almost on the whole territory of the country.

The Romanian Maltese Relief Oranisation is a recognized organization on national and international level, has territorial centers organized on the basis of the Roman Catholic diaconates in Alba Iulia, Iaşi, Oradea, Timişoara, Satu Mare and Bucharest, and has 28 branches, 22 active. The activity of the branches is coordinated and monitored by the General Secretary seated in Cluj-Napoca. The General Secretary keeps permanent contact with the main partners: Malteser Hilfsdienst from Germany and the Sovereign Order of the Knights of Malta. These organizations had a decisive role in the founding of the SAMR and they still support it financially, materially and morally.

As time is passing, due to our results, public opinion is getting more and more trustful in the charitable-humanitarian services offered by SAMR. As a result, in 2007 most of the social services offered by SAMR were accredited and licensed by the state institutions.