Charitable NFT collection to support Hawaii wildfire recovery efforts
As officials announced on Monday that the wildfires devastating Lahaina are 90% contained, the recovery process takes center stage. The blazes, which have been ravaging Maui since August 8, have left a trail of tragedy and destruction. Can non-fungible tokens (NFTs) help ease the situation for the victims?
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Hawaii tragedy
Maui County released grim statistics this week, revealing that the wildfires have claimed 115 lives. In addition to this staggering death toll, a further 850 people remain unaccounted for. The fires also leveled 2,700 structures, ripping apart the lives of many and turning homes into mere memories.
Stepping up to aid the recovery process is Ashira Fox, an artist known for her digitized images or scanographs. In an effort to supplement the tens of millions already raised for the disaster-stricken island, Fox is using her art as a means of support.
NFTs for Hawaii
The artist announced a 48-hour open edition NFT sale on Rarible. Central to this initiative is a scanograph of a white plumeria flower, an emblematic image of Maui. For those unfamiliar, the plumeria is a staple on the island, with tourists frequently embarking on tours to see its myriad varieties.
The charitable NFTs are priced at 25 MATIC (roughly $14) and are already available for purchase. Ensuring that the funds genuinely aid the affected, all proceeds from the NFT sales are earmarked for the Maui fund, an initiative established by the crypto donation firm, the Giving Block.
Fox’s support doesn’t end with her art. She’s also actively promoting the Giving Block’s Maui fund. The artist reminded the community that the firm pledges to match the initial $500,000 in donations, potentially doubling the impact up to $1 million. As of this writing, donations to the fund have surpassed $133,000.
United to help
Beyond this NFT-driven initiative, several other charities are making strides in the relief efforts. Organizations like the American Red Cross, the Maui Strong Fund, and Maui United Way stand at the forefront, committed to channeling resources to those most impacted by the fires, whether they’re displaced or grieving the loss of loved ones.
As officials announced on Monday that the wildfires devastating Lahaina are 90% contained, the recovery process takes center stage. While the containment of the fires provides a glimmer of hope, the recovery journey for Maui has only just begun. The collective efforts of artists like Fox, alongside numerous charitable organizations, showcase the strength of community in the face of adversity.
