The American Red Cross is partnering with leading Bitcoin payment solutions provider BitPay to enable donations in the digital currency. The humanitarian organization said it will be participating in "Bitcoin Black Friday."
Through a hosted webpage, Atlanta-based BitPay announces support to the humanitarian organization to allow the charity to receive donations in bitcoins. According to a company announcement, the startup will be processing Bitcoin donations without any fees, which will allow the American Red Cross to receive 100% of funds received through BitPay's dedicated webpage.
Donate to the American Red Cross in Bitcoin through @BitPay t.co/qzFRqNXit7 https://t.co/tD9ptGp6Wq
— Elizabeth Ploshay (@etploshay) November 26, 2014BitPay Account Manager and Head of Nonprofit Outreach Elizabeth T. Ploshay shared her excitement and highlighted the Bitcoin community's involvement in humanitarian causes:
"Introducing the American Red Cross to the Bitcoin community is really going to showcase the generosity of this new group of consumers. Bitcoin users are extremely passionate people who are looking to put their bitcoin towards good causes. I’m sure the community will be excited to have such an established charity to donate to."
Affiliated with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the American Red Cross is one of the largest and most recognized humanitarian organizations providing emergency assistance, disaster relief, health and safety training and education, lifesaving blood transfusions, as well as international services dedicated to helping those in dire need of aid. The organization has been expanding its options for donations, but this is the first time it will be accepting donations in a cryptocurrency.
Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Programs at the American Red Cross, Jennifer Niyangoda, stated:
"The Red Cross is thrilled to partner with BitPay to offer a different way for generous donors to support our humanitarian mission. This gives a new generation of supporters the opportunity to help people in need."
Through BitPay, donors can now contribute with varying amounts. This will allow individuals on a limited budget to contribute to the American Red Cross supported causes.
The humanitarian organization also said it will be participating in tomorrow's "Bitcoin Black Friday," a tradition within the community that enables digital currency users to take advantages of sales opportunities. The American Red Cross will be listed in both the Bitcoin Black Friday website, and the Bitcoin Giving Tuesday website.
Last year's Bitcoin Black Friday gathered more than 600 merchants and Bitcoin sales reached US$6 million. The event triggered a spike in Bitcoin's price, which was partially responsible of the run-up in price due to the surge in people spending their coins.
This year, we should witness Bitcoin Black Friday's growth in popularity, notably due to a series of major announcements such as the increase of merchants accepting the digital currency, including giants Dell.com and European Showroomprive.
Bitcoin startup BitPay has been supporting several non-profit organizations, including Literacy Bridge, Apopo and the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
To donate to the American Red Cross follow this link: https://bitpay.com/520663/donate
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