Google Donates 3,000 Solar Chargers to International Relief Efforts

International Medical Corps (IMC) operates throughout the developing world. The organization not only trains health-care personnel, but also develops relief programs where medical infrastructure is scarce and poverty and health problems are rampant. Today, IMC announced a big boost in their humanitarian efforts from Google.org, the philanthropic arm of the famed internet giant. google renewable energy The developing world may lack many things—accessible healthcare, socioeconomic stability, education—but one of them is not cell phones. These cheap and reliable communication devices are plentiful, but the electricity to charge them is not, creating a problem for relief workers such as those at IMC trying to organize their efforts. To help alleviate those headaches and increase the effectiveness of relief efforts, Google has donated 3,000 solar chargers to IMC. google solio solar chargers The Solio Solar Chargers can charge over 3,000 different electronic devices, including cell phones, cameras and GPS units, using small, foldable solar panels. The device itself looks rather like a cell phone when folded up. It can hold a charge for up to a year, and also draws power from a USB port or wall outlet if necessary. For International Medical Corp, the donation will have its largest impact in the field, where many doctors and trainers are stationed in remote areas. Now, coordination between project managers and field workers will be much easier, perhaps as simple as an SMS text message. Cell phones are an important tool in international relief efforts. Says IMC President and CEO Nancy Aossey, “We are extremely grateful to Google for these solar chargers, which will greatly enhance communications for our field staff.” The donation is worth about $216,000 and is no doubt part of Google’s ongoing commitment to promoting solar power and renewable energy. Source: Reuters Photo Credit: Hardware Sphere