NFTs show the best side of humanity as true support transcends nation borders and reaches Ukraine across the metaverse. In light of the ongoing military conflict, people around the world are sending their donations to Ukraine through NFT sales, as artists and activists turn to them for older fundraising methods.
Millions in donations raised for Ukraine through NFT sales
Looks like NFTs have taken over the world recently, with more and more types of communities getting involved every day. From major visual artists to global fashion brands and from video game studios to superstar rappers, everyone is rushing to join the trend. One aspect of human life in 2022 that no one probably expected to be drawn into the NFT phenomenon is armed conflict between nations, actual warfare, but here we are.
Shortly after hostilities began in Ukraine and the countless human tragedies that followed, NFTs were used to raise funds to help refugees and other causes. The biggest example so far is UkraineDAO which funded 2,100 ETH by 2n/a of March, worth more than $6 million at the time. This event was initiated by Nadya Tolokonnikova – Russian artist, activist and member of the anarchist feminist punk rock band Pussy Riot.
Rather than individual artwork, contributors will receive fractional ownership of an NFT Ukrainian flag in the form of $love tokens. As the UkraineDAO The team explained: “Initially there was the idea of artists creating something, but this idea quickly changed when the group decided that the NFT should be a symbol of the Ukrainian people rather than focusing on a particular artist or aesthetic. That being said, we fully support other organizations that auction artists’ works in support of Ukraine.
Another headline-grabbing example of a Russian artist using NFTs to support those in need in Ukraine is Olive Allen. She even burned her Russian passport to express her support, indicating“I am a Russian artist and in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, I burned my Russian passport to create the NFT ‘Passport Burning.’ All proceeds from the sale of NFT will be donated to the SavetheChildren Ukraine Fund.
The second biggest example in monetary terms so far is the RELI3F.xyz NFT sell, which raised 699 ETH according to data on OpenSea, worth more than $1.7 million. RELI3F is a humanitarian aid initiative founded by NFT artists collaborating to support the people of Ukraine. “In a crisis where time is running out, web3 allows us to collaborate with artists + collectors to get funds where they are needed most. And thanks to the blockchain, we can offer full transparency,” the RELI3F team explained.
In addition to new sales, established NFT communities have also stepped up to show their support for the people of Ukraine. The Bored Ape Yacht Club Team sent $1 million in ETH in the official wallet of the Ukrainian government on March 8, corresponding to the million dollars of donations already made by members of the community. Besides the $2 million in ETH, someone also sent a real Bored Ape valued at $200,000. Even NFT funds that were set up to support other causes have apparently made donations to Ukraine. According to Blockchain Analytics Company Ellipticala donation worth more than $1.8 million came from the proceeds of the Assange Dao NFT Sale – which was set up to help imprisoned Wikileaks founder and activist Julian Assange.
For anyone looking for an NFT to show their support for the people of Ukraine, many new sales are just beginning, but they should be sure to pay attention to scams.
An example of a new NFT charity sale is Ukrainian angels. This collection was created by ElephantsLab, a Ukrainian blockchain research, consulting and software development company. ElephantsLab is based in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, which has become a hub for refugees fleeing destruction in other cities across the country. Once the war started, the team used what they knew best to help raise funds for those in their country who needed it most. Donations of all sizes can be made in BSC and with a donation of 0.25 BNB or more you can create your own unique NFT as an Angel of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Angels’ mission statement reads: “This is the contribution of the global crypto family to #StopTheWar. By purchasing an NFT from this collection, you are saving lives. Your financial assistance will help support those who need most: the wounded, refugees and all other affected Ukrainians… Once hostilities have died down, donations will then be used to rebuild vital infrastructure: roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, etc…”
Another NFT sale that just started is #ActLikeZelensky on Foundation.app – a limited art collection with only 100 pieces. Each item is a unique piece of Ukrainian President 3D art. According to the team behind the project, Shields Ukraine: “We are raising funds to provide Ukrainians on the front lines with much-needed non-lethal protective equipment and humanitarian aid.” Proceeds from the NFT sale will be used to purchase helmets, body armor, thermal imagers, flashlights and radios for Ukrainians.
What do you think of artists and activists using NFTs to collect donations for Ukraine?
Image credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons