By CCN.com: Binance, the world’s largest bitcoin exchange, is stepping up efforts in the crypto community to help rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.

The iconic 900-year-old Catholic church literally went up in flames after being destroyed by a massive fire. Authorities are still investigating the suspicious cause of the raging blaze.

‘Bring Crypto to Religion!’

Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao threw down the gauntlet to the crypto industry, urging them to help restore the historic landmark and show the world that bitcoin can be a force for good.

“If we can push crypto to the last mile of the Cathedral building, it’s the ultimate adoption. Bring crypto to religion!”

Reading the comments, please understand Charity is not exclusive, or obligatory. Feel free to choose the program you wish to donate to. If we can push crypto to the last mile of Cathedral building, it's the ultimate #adoption. Bring crypto to religion! https://t.co/3OrvyAEUXW — CZ Binance (@cz_binance) April 17, 2019

‘We Call On Our Colleagues In the Crypto Space’

Binance launched the Rebuild Notre Dame campaign on April 17. On the fundraising page, the crypto juggernaut wrote:

“On April 15, 2019, fire broke out of the roof of the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, severely damaging the edifice and destroying valuable artworks and relics.” “It was a great moment of loss for culture, arts, and history shared by all humankind.” “As a pioneer of using blockchain for social good, BCF launched a crypto-fundraising channel. We call on our colleagues in the crypto space to show your support for our campaign to Crypto-Rebuild Notre Dame.”

You can make contributions either by name or anonymously. As of this writing, the campaign has received 29 donations in 12 hours. Contributions top 1.47 BTC, or roughly $7,646.

So far, the Binance fundraising drive is off to an encouraging start.

Binance Is Outdoing French Crypto Fundraiser

The Binance campaign is doing considerably better than a similar donation drive that was launched on April 15 by French crypto journalist Grégory Raymond.

That campaign was largely ignored by the crypto community, garnering just $1,000 in two days.

However, part of the reason for the underwhelming response to the French campaign may be that massive donations from two rival French billionaires had a chilling effect on European donors.

As CCN.com reported, François-Henri Pinault — the CEO of the holding company for Gucci and Balenciaga — is donating 100 million euros ($113 million) to restore Notre Dame.

In addition, Bernard Arnault — the chairman of luxury-goods giant LVMH — is contributing 200 million euros (roughly $226 million).

Bitcoin Faithful Ignore Crypto Donation Drive to Rebuild Notre Dame https://t.co/erGvBkgls7 — CCN.com (@CCNMarkets) April 17, 2019

Disney and Apple Donate to Rebuild Notre Dame

Across the pond in the United States, Disney is donating $5 million.

CEO Robert Iger tweeted that Disney “stands with our friends and neighbors in Paris with heartfelt support.”

.@notredameparis is a beacon of faith, hope & beauty, inspiring awe and reverence. The Walt Disney Company stands with our friends & neighbors in Paris, with heartfelt support and a $5 million donation for the restoration of this masterpiece. — Robert Iger (@RobertIger) April 17, 2019

Similarly, Apple CEO Tim Cook also pledged to donate to restore Notre Dame’s “precious heritage for future generations.”

Cook did not state an amount, but it will undoubtedly be in the millions.

We are heartbroken for the French people and those around the world for whom Notre Dame is a symbol of hope. Relieved that everyone is safe. Apple will be donating to the rebuilding efforts to help restore Notre Dame’s precious heritage for future generations.🇫🇷 — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 16, 2019

So far, the donation drive to restore Notre Dame Cathedral tops $1 billion, thanks to worldwide efforts.