Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher Donate $1 Million to Syrian Refugee Charities

The donation will go toward healthcare and shelter.

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Complex Original

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Though the sad majority of headlines surrounding the Syrian refugee crisis are centered on whichever disingenuous politician happens to be speaking the loudest nonsense at any given moment, this one is actually worth clicking and sharing. Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher, confirmed royal couple, have donated $1 million to charities aimed at improving the lives of Syrian refugees. The charities announced the donations on Sunday, Yahoo News reports.

"By allowing us to make their generous donation to Syrian children public, Sacha and Isla are helping highlight the tragedy of the issue today," Justin Forsyth, chief executive of Save the Children, said in a statement. Save the Children received $500,000 from the couple, a sum Forsyth says will "save many thousands of lives and protect some of the most vulnerable children" by providing measles vaccinations. Another $500,000 was donated to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which provides healthcare and shelter for refugees in Syria and "neighboring countries," with particular focus on women and children.

"Now is the time for all of us to double down on commitments to civilians caught up in the Syria conflict," IRC CEO David Miliband said. "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." For more information on how to aid Syrian refugees during this time of great need, please visit here.

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