Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, has donated 1,000 BNB — valued at approximately $598,025 — to support earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar and Thailand, following the devastating earthquake that struck both countries on March 28.
The donation, confirmed via a BSCScan transaction at around 8:00 AM UTC on April 3, was part of a broader humanitarian initiative spearheaded by Binance Charity. The program aims to deliver direct financial support to users affected by the disaster through blockchain-based airdrops.
“Sent 1000 BNB for the donation for Myanmar and Thailand,” CZ shared on X (formerly Twitter), alongside a link to the transaction.
Binance Charity Launches Targeted Airdrop Relief
The donation coincides with Binance Charity’s announcement on March 31 to airdrop up to $1.5 million in BNB to verified Binance users residing in the affected areas. Using KYC (Know Your Customer) and Proof of Address data, the program ensures that relief funds are delivered efficiently and transparently.
According to the charity initiative:
- Users in Myanmar who have completed KYC will receive $5 worth of BNB, while users in the most impacted regions will receive $50.
- In Thailand, only Gulf Binance users who have completed KYC will be eligible. They will receive $5 in BNB, and those in the hardest-hit areas will receive $10.
The distribution is expected to be completed by April 14.
“In times of crisis, every second counts. Blockchain and digital assets have provided an effective and efficient means of delivering financial aid to disaster victims,” CZ said in his accompanying statement.
A Track Record of Crypto-Powered Aid
CZ’s recent donation reinforces his growing role as a private philanthropist in the crypto world. Earlier this year, he donated 150 BNB (roughly $100,000 at the time) to victims of the LIBRA memecoin scam, and also contributed to traders affected by the TST and BROCCOLI memecoin crashes.
While BNB dipped slightly by 0.68% following the announcement, trading at $598.51 at press time, the donation has been positively received by the broader crypto community, with many praising the speed and transparency of blockchain-based disaster relief.
A Call for Collective Action
In his public message, CZ called on others in the crypto space to join the effort, highlighting blockchain’s potential as a tool for rapid humanitarian aid distribution.
“This is a time to come together. Let’s use the power of crypto to make a real difference,” he added.
As the world continues to face natural disasters and humanitarian crises, CZ’s actions—and Binance Charity’s direct airdrop model—could serve as a blueprint for how decentralized tools can be leveraged for global aid.
