News Dec 31, 2015 12:54 AM EST

Actor Baron Cohen and wife give $1m for Syrian refugees

By Staff Writer

During the recent brutal attack on Syria, millions have fled to the neighboring countries. They have received donations and funds globally for shelter, clothing and food. Sacha Baron Cohen and his wife, Isla Fisher also donated millions.

According to Gant News, comedian Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher contributed around $1 million to assist the Syrian refugees. The celebrity couple donated their money to two charities: UK-based Save the Children and the International Rescue Committee.

The charities said on Sunday that out of the total, half of it will be used for funding 250,000 measles vaccinations for children in Northern Syria. And the other half of it will fund "education, health care, shelter and sanitation" for the Syrian families living in Syria or around in neighboring countries.

Justin Forsythe, Save the Children CEO said in a statement, "Food and medicines have become scarce and basic necessities unaffordable." He added that some parts of Syria are on the verge of measles outbreaks.

Both charities are currently working hard to collect the funds globally. By Dec. 31,  the IRC is aiming to raise at least $6.7 million to help provide funding and assistance in more than 40 countries. On the other hand, Save the Children has a goal of increasing the fund number to $300,000 for its assistance in Syria.

United Nations revealed that more than four million refugees were forced to leave their country to the  neighboring countries for relative safety following the brutal attacks in Syria, as mentioned by Al Arabiya News. Additionally, millions have fled to other parts of the country, leaving all their property behind.

According to the chief executive of Save the Children, Justin Forsyth the money would "save many thousands of lives and protect some of the most vulnerable children".

He further added, "By allowing us to make their generous donation to Syrian children public, Sacha and Isla are helping highlight the tragedy of the issue today."

President of the IRC and the ex-British foreign secretary, David Miliband labelled their gift as "great expression of humanity."

Baron Cohen has been cast in a number of blockbuster comedies. He revealed his great concern towards the treatment of Syrian civilians during a press conference for the release of his 2012 film 'The Dictator', as reported by International Business Times.

Charity Save the Children have already succeeded in curing 300,000 youngsters against polio and measles. But in ruined cities like Idlib and Aleppo, they are still receiving around 40 to 50 cases of measles every week and more than 30 diagnoses of typhoid.

Millions of people have suffered the consequences of the civil war. However, 1,400 of the charity's volunteers are working to their maximum capacity in the war-torn nation.


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