As Maui Island grapples with the aftermath of a massive wildfire, traditional and modern means of support converge.
Dive into how organizations are innovating with cryptocurrency donations to aid disaster-hit areas, offering a glimpse into the future of global support and collaboration.
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Relief Efforts Underway as Wildfire Ravages Maui
In the major regions of Maui Island in Hawaii, including Lahaina, extensive wildfires have wreaked havoc. Even as the devastation continues, relief operations persist.
Amidst this, the disaster relief organization "All Hands and Hearts" is actively collecting donations, both in cryptocurrency and fiat, to aid the residents of Maui who've been impacted by the fires. Over 100 lives have tragically been claimed by this fire, with numerous houses and structures destroyed.
According to government officials, the cost of restoration could possibly exceed $5.5 billion.
Cryptocurrency Donations: An Emerging Trend in Disaster Relief
Olga Luzhelo, a representative of All Hands and Hearts, stated, "Donations in cryptocurrency are providing essential support in the aftermath of this catastrophic wildfire."
She further added, "The cryptocurrency industry continues to collaborate with communities around the world that need assistance."
Luzhelo mentioned that All Hands and Hearts is accepting cryptocurrency donations through the charitable platform "The Giving Block." This includes popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
As of the time of the announcement, The Giving Block has managed to amass over $136,000 for the Maui project.
"Disaster relief organizations like All Hands and Hearts have been evolving their donation strategies by leveraging technology and diverse digital platforms," Luzhelo commented.
She further highlighted that these advancements enhance fundraising efficiency and effectiveness, enabling organizations to provide vital aid during disasters.
Global Support
The wildfire, which might have been caused by a lightning strike on August 8th, has devastated the island inhabited by over 160,000 residents.
Beyond the donations through All Hands and Hearts, both the Japanese and South Korean governments have pledged $2 million each in aid.
Cryptocurrencies are increasingly being seen as a solution by many organizations to deliver funds to areas affected by natural or human-made disasters.
Since 2022, Ukraine, which faced military aggression from Russia, has received over $70 million in cryptocurrency donations for military equipment and humanitarian assistance.