Bitcoin Exchange Igot Launches Nepal Earthquake Relief Initiative

ChangeTip, a service that lets Twitter users send Bitcoin tips, launched a relief campaign centered on #NepalEarthquake. Users tweet @Changetip with a dollar amount they want to contribute, and the platform routes their donation to the American Red Cross. The hashtag campaign has pulled in several thousand dollars so far, with every penny reaching the charity.

Bitcoin exchange Igot is launching BitcoinForNepal.com to expand those efforts. The platform will collect donations for the Nepalese Red Cross Society. Rick Day, Igot's founder, explained his company's motivation: "Like many individuals in the Bitcoin community, I have been truly shocked by the tragic consequences of this earthquake. At igot, we really want to do something to make a difference in the lives of the people affected by the disaster. Bitcoin is a great way to donate to this cause because 100 percent of the funds donated will go straight to where they are needed most."

Igot operates as a remittance-focused exchange, built around cross-border payments without steep fees. That expertise becomes relevant as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies works to raise US$34 million (or 33.4 million Swiss Francs) from the disaster.

Beyond the donation platform, Igot will contribute 50% of its buy and sell commissions to relief efforts for one month. The exchange distributes all Bitcoin donations to the Nepal Red Cross Society every seven days for four weeks, maintaining transparency throughout the effort. Igot has posted the appeal's Bitcoin address on the blockchain, allowing donors to track contributions as they move across the network and verify that funds reach their intended destination.