Ndax is celebrating Bitcoin’s 17th birthday by covering essential costs for Canadians facing financial hardship.

 

Rent. Groceries. Utilities. Medical bills. Paid directly.

No crypto required. No Ndax account required.

Submit a Story

Turning Bitcoin’s Origin Into Real Relief for Canadians

Seventeen years ago, Bitcoin was created during a financial crisis, in response to a system that bailed out institutions while everyday people struggled.

To mark Bitcoin’s 17th birthday, Ndax is launching the Block 17 Relief Fund, a Canada-wide initiative designed to help Canadians cover essential expenses when they need it most.

This is about helping people through difficult moments.

Why Block 17 exists

When Bitcoin’s first block was mined in 2009, it included a message:

“Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks.”

Bitcoin was born out of frustration with a system that rescued banks, not people.

Block 17 is Ndax’s way of honouring that moment by providing direct, practical relief to real Canadians today.

What the Block 17 Relief Fund is

The Block 17 Relief Fund is a direct-support initiative, funded entirely by Ndax.

  • Support is provided based on verified need
  • Assistance is distributed based on available campaign budget
  • Each approved request represents a “block,” together forming Block 17, a chain of real-world impact inspired by Bitcoin’s origin

What we can help with

The fund focuses on essential, time-sensitive needs, including:

  • Rent or housing-related expenses
  • Groceries and basic household necessities
  • Utilities (electricity, heat, internet where required)
  • Medical and pharmacy bills
  • Transportation for work or medical care
  • Other urgent essentials, reviewed case by case

Whenever possible, Ndax pays providers directly

(landlords, utility companies, clinics, pharmacies).

Who can apply or be nominated

The Block 17 Relief Fund is open to individuals and families across Canada who are:

  • Experiencing financial hardship
  • Facing urgent or unavoidable expenses
  • In need of short-term support to get through a difficult period

You may:

  • Submit your own story, or
  • Nominate someone else (friend, family member, neighbour, coworker)
Submit a Story

"Bitcoin was created during a financial crisis.

Block 17 turns that origin into action, helping Canadians when it matters most."

Subject: Block 17 Relief Fund

Please include:

  • Name (or nominee’s name)
  • City / Province
  • What support is needed
  • Why this support is needed now
  • Approximate amount (if known)
  • Any urgent deadlines
  • A contact number (optional)

Submit a Story 

The Block 17 Relief Fund is a Ndax-funded initiative created to help Canadians cover essential expenses during difficult moments.

Bitcoin was created during a financial crisis. Block 17 honours that origin by turning it into direct, practical support for people today.

We are accepting and reviewing stories from January 3 to February 3, 2026.

Selections are based on urgency, impact, ability to verify the expense, and available funding. Submissions are reviewed by the Ndax team

Submitting a story does not guarantee assistance, but every submission is reviewed with care.

Support amounts vary depending on the situation and the need. We focus on covering essential, time-sensitive expenses rather than fixed grants.