Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher just made a major donation to Syrian refugees
Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher just donated one million dollars to help Syrian refugees, and our hearts are bursting. According to People, charity officials have confirmed the donation, which will be split into two equal charitable contributions to Save the Children and the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
The half million going to Save the Children will be used to pay for measles vaccinations for more than 250,000 children in Northern Syria, while the IRC donation will provide other help for Syrian refugees (mainly women and children) in the form of health care, sanitation, shelter and education.
In a joint statement by Save the Children and the IRC, the CEOs of the two charities praise the celeb couple for their kindness and explain why their donation is so important. Justin Forsyth of Save the Children says, “Syria’s health system has collapsed and deadly childhood diseases – like measles – which had previously been all but eradicated have now returned, threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands of children.”
It might be difficult for us to imagine just how bad things have gotten for kids in Syria, but David Miliband of the IRC calls upon us to try, especially during this special holiday season of love and new beginnings. In the statement, he says, “These people are the victims of terror. As hope for the end of conflict recedes, it is all the more important to meet the most basic human needs. Sacha and Isla’s donation is a great expression of humanity, and a challenge to do more for the most vulnerable. I hope it is an example to many others seeking practical ways of making a difference during the Christmas and New Year season.”
We’re in awe of Sacha and Isla’s generosity. While it will no doubt go a long way in helping the children of Syria, there’s still much to be done. The number of people affected by the Syrian crisis is staggering. According to Save the Children, over 7 million people have been displaced within the country as well as an additional 4 million in neighboring areas. At least 12,000 children have been killed in the conflict.
Granted, not many of us can afford to donate a million dollars to people in need. But every little bit helps. If you’re inspired by Sacha and Isla’s act of kindness and want to learn more about what you can do to help, visit Save the Children here.
[Image via Shutterstock.]
