Entrepreneur and Web3 investor Carl Runefelt, who operates successful social media platforms under the alias Carl Moon, recently contributed over $400,000 in cryptocurrency to Kids Operating Room (KidsOR), a nonprofit focused on delivering surgical care to children in underprivileged areas.
Runefelt encouraged the organization to begin accepting cryptocurrency to tap into a fresh global donor base. KidsOR co-founder and chairman Garreth Wood conveyed to Cointelegraph that Runefelt’s donation was a “game changer” for them.
“It was not merely a generous gift,” Wood stated. “It demonstrated that innovative fundraising methods could unite a community eager to use innovation for aiding children worldwide.”
Wood mentioned that they now accept crypto donations via their JustGiving platform to simplify support for providing surgeries to children globally.
Transformational crypto funding can change thousands of lives
Runefelt expressed his belief that wealth accumulated through cryptocurrency comes with the obligation to assist others. His contribution finances an operating theater and recovery room in Tanzania and a children’s hospital in Zimbabwe.
“Whenever we earn life-changing money, we should remember it can transform not just our lives, but also those of thousands of children globally.”
Runefelt stated that his philanthropic endeavor was influenced by his younger brother, who was born with Down syndrome and has undergone more than 60 surgeries.
“If my little brother hadn’t received surgery, he wouldn’t be alive today,” he said, encouraging crypto enthusiasts to support children facing similar challenges who lack necessary medical care.
“Worldwide, children urgently require assistance. I aim to do my part and hope to motivate others to follow suit,” Runefelt remarked.
KidsOR embraces cryptocurrency donations
Since 2014, KidsOR has established over 100 pediatric operating rooms in 35 countries, facilitating more than 726,000 surgeries to date.
“Every operating room we create significantly impacts lives,” Wood stated to Cointelegraph. “With increased support, we can elevate our assistance from hundreds of thousands to millions of children.”
Wood acknowledged that while accepting crypto donations can be “complicated,” Runefelt’s contribution illustrated that it is feasible and worthwhile.
He mentioned to Cointelegraph that the transparency provided by cryptocurrency allows donors to see the direct impact of their contributions. Wood indicated that this level of transparency fosters trust, accountability, and a strong connection between donors and the lives they are changing.
Furthermore, Wood noted that the fundamental principles of cryptocurrency and Web3 align with global health equity, advocating that everyone should have access to healthcare.
“Decentralization and borderless access can unlock resources and opportunities for children everywhere, with philanthropy acting as the bridge to make this vision a reality,” Wood expressed.
Related: South Korea to permit institutions to sell crypto donations in 2025
Crypto donations surpass $1 billion in 2024
The concept of crypto philanthropy is not new. In 2024, crypto donations exceeded $1 billion as the cryptocurrency realm thrived amid enhanced regulatory clarity worldwide.
According to The Giving Block, in February, the number of nonprofits accepting cryptocurrency grew in 2024. The platform indicated that over 70% of the leading charities based in the U.S. have begun to accept crypto.
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