Apple extends helping hand to Syrian refugees

Apple CEO Tim Cook sent an email to company staff on Friday stating that Apple is making a “substantial donation” to relief agencies assisting with the Europe refugee crisis, as reported by BuzzFeed.

“As we’ve all seen and read in the news, millions of people from Syria and other Middle Eastern countries have fled their homes because of war and persecution,” Cook wrote and added, “Our hearts go out to these refugees, and many of you have asked how we can help”.

The tech giant is supporting 2-for-1 matches of contributions from its employees to the Red Cross. It is also promoting the Red Cross on the homepage of its website and in the App Store.

Here is the full email (via BuzzFeed):

Team,

As we’ve all seen and read in the news, millions of people from Syria and other Middle Eastern countries have fled their homes because of war and persecution. Europe, where many hope to find safety, is experiencing a refugee crisis on a scale that hasn’t been seen since World War II. Thousands of people have already lost their lives as families embark on long and dangerous journeys across land and sea.

Our hearts go out to these refugees, and many of you have asked how we can help.

Apple is making a substantial donation to relief agencies which provide humanitarian aid to refugees in Europe and around the Mediterranean. We’re also making it easy for our customers to support this effort by donating to the Red Cross via the App Store and iTunes.

For employees who donate to the Red Cross campaign and other select relief efforts, Apple will match your contribution 2-for-1. For details, please visit the Apple Matching Gifts program page here.

Apple is dedicated to advancing human rights around the world. We hope the actions we’re taking will help make the situation less desperate for some, and ease the hardship so many are enduring.

Thank you.

Tim