While I do not personally hold a Noun, nor am I typically active in the Nouns community, the events sponsored by NounsDAO are nevertheless incredibly inspiring. No matter the tumultuous year the DAO has had, 2023 has proven that a brand created to do real public good can indeed continue to be steadfast in its mission.
NounsDAO, with its many tendrils of successful brand identifiers, side projects, and props that bring about these success stories, continues to be a favorite crypto-enabled public good. NounsDAO partnered with Variety Kids Christmas Party and unanimously funded Prop 420, sponsored by Gami, ultimately receiving 47,479 USDC, equivalent to nearly $70,000 AUD. The Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre was filled to the brim with entertainment, toys, laughter, food, and a bit of respite for the many caregivers in these children’s lives.
The Christmas party, held on December 14, 2023, hosted 5,000 children and 3,000 of their parents, carers, and volunteers to bring Nounish cheer to kids facing diverse challenges. A video recap of the event can be viewed here.
Beyond this being totally FREE for attendees, Prop 420 has shown the true power of crypto-enabled charities and the many lives they are capable of touching.
Seeing thousands of children who would otherwise not have the opportunity to experience holiday cheer this year, much less next to other smiling children, is such a heartwarming sight to behold. Though I’m not a parent myself, as a child, I personally didn’t always have such abundant holidays, so in some small way, I can relate to the memories events like these etch into a young person’s mind. For many of these children, the event offers a sense of belonging among children struggling through difficult times they can relate to, a place for joy and happiness in an otherwise tough everyday life.
The NounsDAO x Variety Christmas 39,000 sq ft event was the largest crypto philanthropy event held in Australia. A huge feat in itself, the venue provided kids with a bag overflowing with toys, a myriad of rides, adults dressed as all kinds of characters children recognize, along with roving Nouns characters in costume, handing out Noggles and Nouns temporary tattoos to attendees.
Reading through reviews from the event, one in particular, brought tears to my eyes. It reads, “I loved that at the carnival games the children were encouraged to keep trying when they missed and given extra chances and then everyone celebrated when they got it. It was beautiful to see, and really meant a lot to my son, who usually is unable to throw for example a dart at a balloon due to his DCD and this often ends in tears and him feeling like a failure. This experience showed him that if he keeps trying he can do it, it just takes a little longer for him, and that people are still super happy for him when he does do it. And he still got a prize which he loved!…”
In my opinion, these are the kinds of events the industry should look to fund more often. Prop 420 shows that we can use technology and global coordination for real, lasting public good.
About Variety:
Variety - the Children's Charity Victoria is dedicated to assisting children who face challenges due to disability, disadvantage, or illness. The charity offers invaluable support to families and organisations by granting equipment, ranging from wheelchairs to all-abilities playgrounds, ensuring practical assistance reaches those in dire need. Beyond tangible aid, Variety runs transformative programs designed to educate and empower children who might otherwise be overlooked. Scholarships are also awarded to nurture the talents of children living with disadvantages or disabilities. And, Variety hosts events that infuse joy, light, and laughter into the lives of these children and their families – with our keystone event being the Variety Kids Xmas Party.