Google pledges to match $5.5M in donations for refugees

Google wants to encourage people to make donations to help migrants and refugees around the world, particularly in light of the current plight of Syrian refugees. The company says it will match the first $5.5 million in donations globally.

The money raised will be spread across four international nonprofits, including Doctors Without Borders, International Rescue Committee, Save the Children, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

This isn’t the first time that Google has put its money toward humanitarian causes. Just last week, the company donated over $1 million to the refugee relief effort, but it clearly recognizes that more needs to be done. Just looking at current events, Europe, the Middle East, and Northern Africa are facing a level of crisis not seen since World War II. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, are being forced to flee their homes and countries for safer ground. Refugees have recently been flooding the borders of their European Union neighbors asking for help, but the need seems to be too great.

In order for Google to make the 1:1 match, all contributions must be made through Google’s One Today site. Donations made from within the U.S. are tax-deductible.

Split evenly, the donations will allow the four non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to better assist refugees. Specifically, Doctors Without Borders says it will help provide psychological care, bring lifesaving food to those in camps, help women give birth safely, and provide access to safe drinking water. The International Rescue Committee will provide humanitarian relief for refugees from Afghanistan and Syria who are fleeing toward Greece. Save The Children is working to provide children with life-sustaining food, shelter kits, and supplies. Lastly, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees helps Syrians with protection, shelter, food, and water, along with medical care.