Binance Charity donates 9 600 KN95 masks to SA to support fight against coronavirus

Binance Charity, the blockchain-powered donation platform and philanthropic arm of the world’s leading crypto-currency exchange, Binance, is supporting South Africa’s efforts in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic by donating 9 600 KN95 masks to hospitals in the country – an addition to the 15 000 protective suits already donated in May 2020 – as part of the organisation’s Crypto Against COVID campaign.

Launched on 24 March 2020, Binance Charity’s Crypto Against COVID campaign was created to raise $5 million USD in crypto-currencies (BNB, BTC, BUSD, and XRP) to be spent primarily on buying medical supplies for affected regions globally. Binance led this effort with an initial donation of $1 million USD, plus an additional donation of $1 million USD through the #CryptoAgainstCOVID social media campaign. In addition, Binance vowed to match $2 million USD of public donations received.

“This crisis has strained medical institutions around the world. Binance Charity has responded and provided valuable supplies to ensure the health and safety of medical workers. Binance will continue to be a force for good wherever it is needed,” said Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao.

According to the WHO, as of 31 August 2020, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across Africa has surpassed 1 044 513 – with over 600 000 of those cases in South Africa alone, making the country the most affected on the African continent and also home to the fifth highest number of COVID-19 infections globally. (WHO)

A total of $4.3 million USD has been raised from Binance and public donations, with more than 40 crypto companies joining together to support the campaign. As of 14 September, medical supplies have been shipped to over 20 affected countries, including 400 000 masks to Italy, 27 000 masks to the UK, 20 000 PPE to Ukraine – with upcoming donations to other African countries, namely Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and more.

On the importance of donating PPE to healthcare workers in African countries, Helen Hai, Head of Binance Charity, said: “The most important element of human life is to show compassion and help others as we can, without the limitation or restriction of borders. Binance Charity has always supported the African continent since its inception – through the Pink Care Token and Binance Lunch for Children programme in Uganda. Our commitment to African health workers remains the same throughout the fight against COVID-19.”

The 9 600 masks will be donated to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital (Wits Academic Hospital) Johannesburg.

Binance Charity maintains its mandate of 100% transparency. All transactions will be published in full transparency through the blockchain-based donation portal. Any hospital demands or sources of medical supplies and shipping aid willing to help in this cause may reach out to: bcf@binance.com.

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