FarmVille studio Zynga's contributions to Matt Damon's Water.org nonprofit reach $1 million

Social game company Zynga's life-to-date contributions to actor Matt Damon's nonprofit organization Water.org have reached $1 million, the studio announced this week. Water.org was established in 2009 by Damon and Gary White to help people around the world have access to safe water and sanitation.

Zynga's partnership with Water.org dates back to 2010 and is supported by players who choose to donate virtual currency for the real-world cause. Zynga says its efforts have helped communities in Haiti by building and repairing water infrastructures for more than 40,000 people.

The $1 million milestone was reached after Zynga donated $100,000 to Water.org following more than 421,000 Zynga Poker players contributing 2 trillion chips to a two-week "Water.org Helping Hands" charity pot.

"I am humbled by the generosity of Zynga players around the world who have supported Water.org," Damon said in a statement. "Every in-game donation is helping us realize our vision of safe water and basic sanitation for all within our lifetime."