To encourage global cooperation in responding to the Syrian crisis that deserves an immediate international response, Google Inc. posted an $11 million challenge. The tech business pledges to match donations up to $5.5 million for the displaced citizens.
On the company's official blog, Google employee Rita Masoud opens up about her personal journey as she and her family fled from Kabul, Afghanistan when she was seven.
"Our journey involved many dark train and bus rides, as well as hunger, thirst, cold and fear," she writes. "I was lucky. But as the refugee and migrant crisis has grown, many people like my family are desperate for help."
On the same article, she revealed her company's promise to match the first $5.5 million worth of donations at google.com/refugeerelief, until a total of $11 million is raised.
Google has identified four global non-profit organizations which have exhibited excellence in sheltering and nurturing victims of unfortunate events and restoring these people to normal lives. Save the Children, Doctors Without Borders, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Rescue Committee will all receive the funds raised by Google.
Syrian citizens are knocking at the doors of neighboring countries to escape from the perils of the worsening four-year-long civil war. Political groups are rivaling for power and ordinary citizens are caught between violent exchanges.
The Silicon Valley company has previously donated $1 million to the same cause.
With more and more international companies raising funds or offering their services for global citizens to conveniently donate, taking part in problem solving has never been easier and more encouraging.
Other global companies are also actively involved in the relief effort.
TripAdvisor is aiding Mercy Corporations and International Rescue Committee. The company will donate up to $500,000 in a donation-matching program.
Investment bank Goldman Sachs is donating $3.1 million to the UNHCR for the migrants arriving at the European borders.
JP Morgan Chase encourages its employees to donate by promising to match their given amount, until donation reaches $1.5 million. The money will go to Oxfam, the International Medical Corps., Save the Children, and the International Rescue Committee.
German automaker Audi is giving $1.1 million to the local emergency aid programs.
The German industrial giant ThyssenKrupp will create jobs, internships and apprenticeships for over 300 refugees who settle in Germany.
German software company SAP also has a matching program for its employees. The company is willing to give up to $565,000 to fund refugee integration projects in Germany. So far, its employees have raised a quarter of the amount.
Ride-sharing company Uber is sending its drivers for free to collect clothing and toys donation in 20 European countries. The donations will be handed to Save the Children.
