Celesio, owner of Lloydspharmacy, has launched a donation matching scheme, with every contribution that employees make to the Red Cross refugee campaign before 30 October 2015 will be doubled by Celesio up to a total of £36,857 (€50,000).

In addition to the Celesio scheme, majority shareholder, McKesson will provide $200,000 for disaster relief.

“For 180 years, Celesio and its employees have been committed to helping people in healthcare matters and emergencies. It is not only a long-term commitment, but also an important part of our corporate responsibility activities,” said Marc Owen, chairman of the management board of Celesio.

The McKesson donation will go to Direct Relief, an organisation delivering lifesaving aid to families fleeing to Europe from Syria and other conflict zones and helping to ensure that refugees within the Syria and those arriving in Europe are protected.

The McKesson Foundation will also double donations made by U.S. and Canada McKesson employees to support refugee relief organisations through its Matching Gifts program.