Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen donates $1 million to Syrian refugees

LOS ANGELES: Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen and wife Isla Fisher have donated $ one million, equally split between two charittable trust to help Syrian refugees.

According to the press release issued by Save the Children, the money will mainly be used to support education, health care, shelter and sanitation, said The Hollywood Reporter.

"500,000 Dollars will be used to fund a programme vaccinating more than 250,000 children against a potential measles outbreak in Northern Syria," read the statement.

"The other half of the donation will be used to help fund the work to support families, with a special concern for women and children, both inside Syria and in neighbouring countries who are suffering as a result of the ongoing conflict," the statement continued.

Justin Forsyth, Save the Children CEO, said in a statement, "The Syrian conflict is now approaching its fifth year and children are the first victims... The couple's donation will save many thousands of lives and protect some of the most vulnerable children."

President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, David Miliband, thanked the couple for their generous donation.

"Sacha and Isla's donation is a great expression of humanity, and a challenge to do more for the most vulnerable," he said. "I hope it is an example to many others seeking practical ways of making a difference during the Christmas and New Year season."