People choose to look at the relative value of money instead of its absolute value. 20 million for Google is nothing - true. However, 20 million as a US currency is huge and can benefit many, many lives. My question for HN is which way do you want to look at it?
Also, a question no one is asking: How much is Apple donating?
That's a misleading article. Apple disallows a lot of things from its in-app payment system. Collecting donations, especially if they then take their 30% cut, probably has some weird tax implications for them. Why not just incorporate PayPal or another payment system into their app? Sure, it's not as easy for users, but it's flat-out untrue to say that Apple is preventing non-profits from soliciting donations via apps.
as I noted below, according to http://www.google.org/ they gave "over $100 million" in 2009.
I think this video came from some specific campaign from google (notice if you go to the youtube page directly, the video is unlisted. also the whole "on behalf of our customers"...what does that even mean?).
I got an email from Google with a thank you note and link to this video. I can't determine if the 'thanks to you...' is referring to me as a (one time) advertiser or as a regular Google user.
Edit (more clarity):
Here is the actual email from Google:
Dear ,
Thanks to you, this holiday season Google is able to donate $20 million to charitable organizations around the world. They in turn will help improve the lives of over 50 million people. Click here to see how.
Thank you for being a part of what Google is today. All this is possible because of you.
Have a wonderful holiday.
Google
Note that my name was not included in the email. I'm guessing they're missing a record on me.
Also, a question no one is asking: How much is Apple donating?