Entrepreneur and Web3 investor Carl Runefelt, known for his successful social media presence as Carl Moon, recently made a significant contribution of over $400,000 in cryptocurrency to Kids Operating Room (KidsOR), a nonprofit focused on providing surgical care for children in underserved areas.
Runefelt encouraged the organization to begin accepting cryptocurrency, aiming to attract a new wave of global donors. KidsOR co-founder and chairman Garreth Wood stated to Cointelegraph that Runefelt’s donation was a “game changer” for their efforts.
“It wasn’t just a generous gift,” Wood remarked. “It demonstrated that innovative fundraising methods could unite a community of individuals committed to helping children worldwide.”
Wood mentioned that they have now incorporated cryptocurrency donations via their JustGiving platform to facilitate support for their mission of performing surgeries for children globally.
Transformative crypto contributions can impact thousands of lives
Runefelt believes that wealth acquired through cryptocurrency carries a responsibility to assist others. His donation is allocated for an operating theater and recovery room in Tanzania, as well as a children’s hospital in Zimbabwe.
“Whenever we earn life-changing money, we should remember that it can also be life-changing for thousands of children around the world.”
Runefelt shared that his philanthropic drive is influenced by his younger brother’s experience, who was born with Down syndrome and has undergone over 60 surgeries.
“If my little brother hadn’t received surgery, he wouldn’t be here today,” he stated, encouraging crypto holders to help children who are facing similar challenges and lack access to necessary care.
“Across the globe, children are in urgent need of assistance. I aspire to contribute my part, and I hope to motivate others to do the same,” Runefelt concluded.
KidsOR embraces crypto donations
As per KidsOR, the organization has established over 100 pediatric operating rooms in 35 countries since 2014, facilitating more than 726,000 surgeries to date.
“Each operating room we construct has a tremendous impact,” Wood conveyed to Cointelegraph. “With increased support, we can expand our reach from helping hundreds of thousands of children to millions.”
Wood acknowledged that although accepting cryptocurrency can present challenges, Runefelt’s donation reassured them of its feasibility and value.
He informed Cointelegraph that the transparency provided by cryptocurrencies enables donors to directly witness their impact. Wood emphasized that such transparency fosters trust, accountability, and a strong connection between donors and the lives they are transforming.
Wood further noted that the core principles of crypto and Web3 align with the concept of global health equity, advocating that everyone should have access to healthcare.
“Decentralization and borderless access can open up resources and opportunities for children everywhere, and philanthropy serves as the bridge to realize this vision,” Wood stated.
Related: South Korea to allow institutions to sell crypto donations in 2025
Crypto giving surpasses $1 billion in 2024
Crypto philanthropy has a history, with donations exceeding $1 billion in 2024 as the crypto sector thrived amidst greater regulatory clarity worldwide.
The Giving Block reported in February that the number of nonprofits accepting cryptocurrency increased in 2024, with more than 70% of leading US-based charities beginning to accept crypto.
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