OREANDA-NEWS. As part of Starbucks commitment to help the communities it serves, the Starbucks Foundation today announced donations to three non-profit organizations supporting refugees throughout Europe.

Instability and conflict has produced the largest group of refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced persons since World War II, according to the United Nations.  

“Like many of you, over these last few months I have watched with a very heavy heart as refugees from any number of war-torn countries arrive here in Europe – almost all with no place to go, no family, and very little money or belongings. And, remarkably, many of them children traveling on their own. All seeking safety, security, and a better life here in Europe,” said Kris Engskov, president Starbucks EMEA, in a letter to company partners (employees).

Noting that Starbucks has “a long history of helping those most in need,” Engskov announced support from the company’s foundation.

The Starbucks Foundation will donate $75,000 to Save the Children, a non-profit focused on providing urgent relief and long-term aid to refugee children and their families across Central and Western Europe. Save the Children was one of the first to jump into the most recent refugee crisis, with a direct focus on children. 

On a regional basis, the Starbucks Foundation will donate $20,000 to Aktion Deutschland Hilft, an alliance of respected aid organizations leading refugee support in Germany. An additional $15,000 will go to Caritas, which is doing the same work across Austria and other European countries.

“We believe that donating funds directly to these organizations is the best way for us to support expert relief providers, enabling them to allocate resources where they are most needed.  And, with great urgency,” Engskov said.

Many Starbucks partners are also volunteering in their communities to support relief efforts through local aid organizations.