Ucollex, Freedom Boxes join hands to help Ukrainian refugees

Ucollex, a Hong Kong-based platform that sells unique and limited-edition NFTs, is partnering with the not-for-profit program Freedom Boxes to provide aid to people affected in the war-torn country of Ukraine.

The platform is putting up 1,100 non-fungible tokens (NFTs) of colorful illustrations and letters of hope in support of Ukrainian people on its marketplace for sale to fund relief efforts. The artworks were created by school children from around the world and turned into digital collectibles by Ucollex, the company told Metaverse Style.

Proceeds will be used to purchase Freedom Boxes – card boxes stuffed with medicine, food, bedding, hygiene products, books, toys and other necessities – for people now in refugee camps in Ukraine. Each box will also include information about how to access free legal services in the country.

The Freedom Boxes project was launched by Czech-based software company Zenoo Lab aimed at getting like-minded people together in the United Kingdom and Europe to deliver supplies to those in need.

On Feb. 24, Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine with the aim of taking its capital Kiev and its eastern and southern regions. The conflict has forced some 5.5 million people to leave Ukraine while an estimated 7.7 million people have been displaced within the country. As of late April, nearly 3,000 civilians in Ukraine have been killed and another 3,300 wounded, according to estimates by the United Nations.

As the war continues, “humanitarian needs are increasing, and messages of hope have never been this needed,” said Ucollex.

The new NFTs can be purchased with debit or credit cards so people with no crypto knowledge can also take part, it added. Ucollex is backed by Hong Kong-based gaming and blockchain powerhouse Animoca Brands.

 “It breaks our hearts to see the events unfolding in Ukraine; this is our way of helping Ukrainians in their noble struggle, and to deliver help and provide hope where it is needed most.”, said the team in charge of Freedom Boxes.

In February 2022, UCOLLEX raised $10 million from investors including Hong Kong-based blockchain company Animoca Brands and Japanese investment firm MCP Asset Management’s MCP IPX One Fund.

On March 8 2022, International Women’s Day, UCOLLEX JAPAN held “Woman Up! Project” to support all creators by connecting fans who were interested in supporting women.

The aim was to promote diversity in the art industry, where the gender gap remains large.