In our world today, imagining a partnership between a blockchain entity such as BONK and an animal rescue such as Korean K9 Rescue (KK9R) would be seen as unlikely, but their shared common missions anchored by their collaborative spirits has built their platforms into dedicated spaces focused on creating social impact and lasting changes for those around them.
At a time when BONK has emerged as a leading meme coin in the Solana blockchain ecosystem, BONK’s origins were inspired by the need for a decentralized, community-driven meme coin that genuinely makes a difference.
Originating on the Solana blockchain Christmas 2022, BONK launched with 40+ ecosystem partners and distributed more than 50% of the treasury to support builders of web3. BONK now boasts almost 400+ integrations across 11 blockchains, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, with rapid expansion ahead to stay the leader for all innovations in web3. This unique position has led their company to become a significant player as a Solana meme coin, enabling them to focus on initiatives beyond crypto.
Simultaneously, KK9R has become the preeminent resource for animal welfare advocacy, and it has extensive experience rescuing and rehoming dogs affected by the end of the Korean dog meat trade. New York-based, the rescue organization has another facility in Seoul whose operational motivation is to rehabilitate, foster, and prepare these rescued dogs facing euthanasia and poor living conditions in Korea, ultimately finding their new homes in the United States, in cities such as Los Angeles, Boston, New York City. To date, KK9R has rescued and found forever homes for 3500+ dogs since they began this work years ago.
Together, BONK and KK9R are doing good first, inspiring their latest partnership and shared values. Since its inception, BONK has continued to work to prove the idea that meme coins could have a real-world impact beyond the crypto space. As with many social advocacy movements, KK9R has dealt with limited resources and funding for its dual rescue facilities, international transports, and large-scale operations, always seeking local and international partners who align with its values to create change.
While vastly different entities, BONK and KK9R found commonality as they both sought to shine a light on the efforts being made to uplift those around them. Their recent partnering during Korean Blockchain Week in Seoul was a perfect fit as they realized their shared mission to promote animal welfare, and what better way to demonstrate their dedication to community initiatives than to go big?
Completed on September 5, just outside Seoul at Jungwon University, BONK set a brand new, certified Guinness World Record for the “most dogs walked simultaneously by an individual,” with a core contributor from BONK leading 38 dogs for over almost a mile. This was a step up from 36, a record previously set by Maria Harman of Australia and not broken in 6 years.
Beyond the numbers, the mission was clear: to amplify awareness about the importance of dog adoption and highlight the tireless efforts of Korea K9 Rescue in finding loving homes for dogs in need. Flipping the script on the usual glitzy events that take place during Korean Blockchain Week, the record-breaking moment brought together people from different communities for a common good, whether they were crypto enthusiasts, animal lovers, or locals, all were on hand to witness a heartwarming symbol of collaborative spirits working together for societal change.
“In a space where everyone is trying to outdo each other with grand parties and exclusive events, we did what we do best: putting our community and values first,” said Kadense Pengu, a BONK core contributor. “We’re thrilled to be using our platform to make a meaningful difference, while also having fun and breaking a record in the process.”
Following four days of training, completing this feat raised funds for KK9R’s facilities in NY and these dogs’ adoptions and transport to the U.S., with five dogs already rescued and five more en route to the U.S. to prepare for their new lives. By emphasizing the values they hold dear, BONK and KK9R hope to demonstrate how they have positioned community impact at the core of their respective missions, joining together in a partnership for compassion.
Production, strategy, and creative design for the event was led by STURDY, a Los Angeles-based creative production agency BONK has been partnering with since 2023. Tasked with bringing this emerging global blockchain entity to life, STURDY. specializes in delivering exceptional innovation, immersive experiences, and brand development.
From conceptualization to execution, the STURDY. team have become known as culture creators for many of the world’s top talents and brands, including Bad Bunny, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Red Bull, Billboard, Honda, and more. With creative partners such as STURDY adding to their presence, BONK continues to set themselves up for the next levels of ideation and social awareness they are seeking outside the parameters of expectation while staying true to their transformative approach to blockchain.
With their values now enshrined in the record books, BONK aims to continue developing into a collaborative platform that drives meaningful change beyond the Web3 spheres that fosters meaningful relationships, and creates conversations that update ideas on what these entities represent in our shared worlds. From the attention being created by the Guinness Records event, KK9R hopes to expand its rescue operations globally and open more facilities to accommodate growing dog populations. Whatever their future holds, BONK and KK9R exemplify that collaboration and community are possible in any organization.
