Scottish charity receives country’s largest cryptocurrency donation

A Scottish animal rescue centre has received what’s thought to be the biggest cryptocurrency donation in the country’s history.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has been gifted 26 Ethereum, (approximately €97,100) by Pawthereum, a community-run charity cryptocurrency project focused on supporting animal welfare organisations and digitally advocating for animals in need.

The donation is to fund the rescue centre’s pet foodbank service, Paws Pantry, throughout 2022. Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home works with 52 foodbanks and community groups and provides essential pet food, collars, jackets, bedding and other care items to pet owners in need. Over 1,300 animals per month are cared for through this service.

Pawthereum has also committed to donating a further €1,762 ($2,000) per month to the rescue to ensure the ongoing growth of the service as it expands across East and Central Scotland to meet rising demand.

A volunteer run cryptocurrency project on the Ethereum network, it launched in early October 2021. A portion of all $PAWTH token transactions goes to a charity “wallet” that is only used for donations. Pawthereum expects to be able to donate up to $500,000 USD by the end of 2021 to animal shelters and rescues around the world.

Nicola Gunn, director of development and external affairs at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, commented:

“Our team’s day-to-day work to ensure vulnerable animals get the care they need is absolutely relentless, and just to know that this has been recognised by Pawthereum is incredibly overwhelming. There really aren’t enough words to thank them for this donation, which will ensure another year of Scottish pets being warm, fed and most importantly, remaining in loving homes.”

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home first started taking cryptocurrency donations in response to the financial struggles of the pandemic, when other income streams such as events and community fundraising began to dry up. In September 2021 the charity launched a presence on The Giving Block (TGB) and found that they were suddenly able to reach global supporters.

Matt C-Roy, charity coordinator at Pawthereum, said:

“Pawthereum was born out of the idea that cryptocurrencies can be a tremendous force for good in the world. We couldn’t be happier to do our first major donation with a partner as thoughtful and caring as Edinburgh Home. Their community outreach programs help pets stay with their owners during tough times. We’re proud to support that mission and to partner with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home long term to save more animals.”