In the wake of the explosion that blasted through the center of Beirut two weeks ago, millions of people around the world have been trying to help the country get back on its feet.
Google is the latest to jump in to support Beirut and the Lebanese people in the aftermath of the devastating explosion that tore down homes, restaurants, businesses, architectural treasures, and more.
Google just announced that it will be donating a total of $2.2 million to Lebanese NGOs providing essential services on the ground such as medical relief, shelter, and food.
The funds were raised as part of an employee donation matching program.
The company will also be helping local Lebanese businesses and entrepreneurs by funding Youth Business International (YBI), a global entrepreneur support network.
“YBI’s Rapid Response and Recovery program will offer crisis helplines, targeted advice, training, and webinars to support the most affected businesses and business owners,” Google said in the release.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic explosion in Beirut. Our thoughts go out to every person in and outside of Lebanon impacted,” issued Lino Cattaruzzi, Managing Director for Google MENA.
“Across our products from Search, Maps, and YouTube, we will continue to drive donations, support local businesses, and give access to critical information that people there need at this very difficult time.”
People from all over have been doing anything they can to help the people of Lebanon, whether by donating to Lebanese NGOs or sending in-kind donations packed in suitcases and carried to Lebanon with travelers heading here.
Over a dozen countries have sent emergency aid to Lebanon and are continuing to provide additional aid where needed.
Even celebrities used their platforms to shed light on the catastrophe and a handful of prominent figures have donated to NGOs working on the ground.
While Beirut is far from recovery and can use all the help it can get, gestures like Google’s keep hope alive.
