March 26, 2024

Foreign Currency Donations in 2024


Perspective from over 30 years of fund-raising experience

Hope it’s not too late to extend this greeting, here it goes… HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Wishing you, your family and friends the very best in 2024.

Are you recovering from the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season? Perhaps as winter is upon us, you are looking for indoor activities.  These days many of us are completing some cleaning and purging to make room for gifts received and simply getting reorganized for the new year.  As you rummage through the boxes, storage totes, bags, desk drawers, basement storage, etc.  There is the real probability that you’ll find some left over Foreign Currency.  Currency from past business, family or leisure trips.  What are you going to do with those leftover bank notes and coins? Or the penny collection and even the bundle of Canadian Tire money?  What is your plan?

You may be thinking, one day I’ll go back to that destination. Others may simply say…  hmmm – “I don’t know, don’t really have a plan”.   I’m hoping you don’t decide to depose the currency in the garbage, no one likes to throw out money.  This would not be good for the environment, there are enough “recyclable” items heading to the overflowing landfills. I know, you may think I’ll take it to the bank. Just a heads up before you drive to the bank, banks and currency exchanges don’t accept foreign coins and nor do they accept bank notes of particular denominations or from certain (many) countries.

Now what?  How about giving hope to those who truly need your financial support.  You could give the Gift of Hope of those who are less fortunate by donating your leftover Foreign Currency to the charity of your choice.  This is a painless way to provide assistance and to put your leftover currency to great use in the community.

As noted in previous articles, charities desperately need your donation.  We see the headlines and hear about stories daily as they highlight: “lack of food for many…”, “housing crisis now upon us”, “many left out in the cold this winter” and these needs are very real concerns.  Simply take a trip through any city and you’ll surely see make-shift shelters made out of card board, used and torn canvas or tarps and in some cases – maybe a newer tent that was provided by a local charity.  People living in these situations have virtually no income, they often suffer from mental illness, have no idea where their next meal is coming from and live with very little hope.  These “people” are neighbours, in some cases family members or previous acquaintances or colleagues. These “people” are children, youth, families, seniors, refugees and possibly new comers to Canada.   

Your leftover Foreign Currency is part of over $2 Billion in Foreign Currency that is available in Canada, with no real plan or purpose.  Your leftover currency, both coins and bank notes when donated, will provide much needed support and give those in need the Gift of Hope.

“All Currency Is Accepted” regardless of the country of origin, denomination, amount, age, etc. Your currency can be repatriated.  Save countries from having to produce more bank notes and coins, a true cost savings… when your donation is returned to country of origin.  

Did You Know?  The Royal Canadian Mint last reported: – there is still over $100 million in pennies in circulation in Canada.  WOW!!  In addition, donations of foreign currency generally have a value that is ten to twenty (10 to 20) times greater than an equal donation of pennies.

It’s easy to donate leftover Foreign Currency. Donations can be dropped off or mailed to help assist a family, child, youth or senior in your community. It’s time to make a positive difference through your donation of leftover Foreign Currency.

When your donation is converted to Canadian currency you will make a significant impact by assisting others in need.  

If you are seeking a charity to receive a donation, or if your charity of choice is not aware of Foreign Currency Collection Programs, please reach out to the team at Global Coin Solutions (GCS) and we’ll ensure that your donation of any amount is processed and the funds are provided to assist a charity or non-profit of your choice.  Please visit the GCS website for more information https://www.globalcoinsolutions.com/.  Donations can be mailed directly to GCS for processing on behalf of your designated charity.

You can help by starting the conversation.

The biggest obstacle facing the collection of Foreign Currency is that people are simply unaware that leftover Foreign Currency can be put to great use.  Share this message with family, friends, colleagues and new acquaintances.  A great conversation starter:  Did you know that leftover Foreign Currency can be used to make our communities a better place to live?   

Please don’t wait!  2024 is the best time to start changing the world, one cent at a time.

For more information contact Dennis Ullman, Vice-President – Innovation and Development, Global Coin Solutions

dennis@globalcoinsolutions.com or visit Global Coin Solutions today.

In future articles, I will highlight simple cost-efficient methods for your charity to grow a Foreign Currency Collection program while building your organizations brand and raising additional funds.


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By Dennis Ullman September 12, 2025
Perspective from over 30 years of fund-raising experience As the busiest travel season of the year begins to wind down, I’m sure we can all agree… it certainly was a hot one. Record breaking temperatures, high levels of humidity along with a record number of forest fires made headlines during the past couple of months throughout North America. People made the most of the weather and enjoyed days at the beach or lounging in the pool. The heat did not negatively impact the level of travel throughout the summer and kept air conditioners running constantly for days on end. Many destinations that were visited required the need for a different or foreign currency. With so many denominations and types of currency available, people often have “leftover” currency upon their return to home or business. This foreign currency has no real use in our home communities. So how can we make a difference while making a positive impact with the leftover Foreign Currency? Question: What to do with the leftover Foreign Currency? We have a solution that provides a simple and convenient way to donate your leftover holiday cash. Donations can be made in support of an existing program or you can add your favourite charity to the growing list of organizations that can benefit from over $2 Billion of leftover Foreign Currency that exists in Canada. GCS and it’s charity (non-profit) partners support programs such as Currency for Kids and Currency for Food. These are just two of the many programs being supported by a growing number of organizations who now collect leftover Foreign Currency in support of local, regional and national community-based needs. This is an exciting time as many organizations are now realizing the benefits of receiving donations of leftover holiday cash. Organizations in the United States and throughout most of Canada are now able to receive your donation. Recently a volunteer living near Georgian Bay (Ontario) began to organize a new program that would see donations collected to support various Food Banks throughout the Georgian Triangle Region (area surrounding Collingwood, Ontario). For a complete list of locations where you can drop off your donation visit the GCS website to see a map of ALL locations that accept donations of leftover foreign currency. Alternatively, you can mail your donations to GCS for processing in support of your favourite charitable organization. How can your travels help to support Food and Kids? The answer is simple. Upon return from your vacation this summer, donate your leftover foreign currency to support initiatives like Currency for Food, Currency for Kids or the charity or non-profit organization of your choice. Yes, leftover coins and bank notes can be donated to help make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling. Many people are having difficulties these days. Disadvantaged Children and Youth are in need, as community organizations work to fund educational needs for the return to school in September, or even the basic essential for survival. Needs that include food, safe shelter, funds for clothing, mental health support and other basic necessities. Your donation of leftover Foreign Currency will make a difference. In case you are wondering, please be reminded that ALL CURRENCY is ACCEPTED, regardless of the amount, date of circulation, condition of the currency, etc. All currency has a value, maybe not useful for day-to-day purchases, but when repatriated back to the country of origin, the exchange into Canadian funds makes a tremendous difference in local communities. To date over $20 million has been processed thanks to donors across the country. When you consider there is an estimated $2-3 Billion still available in Canada, there is much more we can do to support charitable work. Be sure to donate your leftover Foreign Currency, the cold cash you have left over from your “hot” summer travels. Together we can make a real difference. Helping to Change the World, One Cent at a Time. For over ten years, Global Coin Solutions (GCS) has been repatriating leftover Foreign Currency in support of charities and not-for-profit organizations. $20 million has been collected, hand sorted, repatriated and at the end of the process donated to hundreds of charitable organizations. Visit GCS on YouTube for more information. Did You Know? If you are seeking a charity to receive your donation, or if your charity of choice is not aware of Foreign Currency Collection Programs, please reach out to the team at Global Coin Solutions (GCS) and we’ll ensure that your donation is processed and the funds are provided to assist your charity of choice. Please visit the GCS website for more information https://www.globalcoinsolutions.com/ . For more information contact Dennis Ullman, Vice-President – Innovation and Development, Global Coin Solutions dennis@globalcoinsolutions.com or visit Global Coin Solutions today. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
By Dennis Ullman August 27, 2025
Perspective from over 30 years of fund-raising experience Yes, it’s that time of year… the busiest season of the year for travel. With the children now out of school for summer vacation and many parents taking time off… travel will most likely be the plan for many people. As we plan our summer trips, I’m learning that making reservations in advance is a great idea. Many favourable places are getting booked for the summer months. Travels and vacation may include visiting family, friends, sightseeing and could include a trip to a foreign country. Perhaps visiting your heritage and immersing yourself in a familiar culture is the plan. Others may be looking for an adventure and planning to traveling somewhere new. Every 60 seconds the team at GCS hears the airplanes fly over our office, as the planes come and go from Lester B. Pearson Airport. This is tangible proof that we are still travelling on a regular basis. Some destinations often lead to the need for a different or foreign currency. GCS is very thankful for our partners who support programs such as Currency for Kids . Be sure to visit one of the currency exchanges that help to collect donations of leftover foreign currency. Some of these awesome partners include Global Currency Services (Guelph) , Ultimate Currency (Ottawa area) , Wellington FX (Kingston) , Currency Convertors (Waterloo) , London Currency Exchange , Foreign Exchange Currency Shop (Finchurst Plaza) or one of 19 Continental Currency Exchange locations. Or, you can visit the GCS website that includes a map of ALL locations that accept donations of leftover foreign currency. Now that you have your Currency for the trip… please accept our best wishes and enjoy your vacation. How can your travels help to support Food and Kids? The answer is simple. Upon return from your vacation this summer, donate your leftover foreign currency to support initiatives like Currency for Food , Currency for Kids or the charity or non-profit organization of your choice. Yes, those leftover coins and bank notes can be donated to help make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling. Many people are having difficulties these days. Food Banks are in the news every day as they report a drastic increase in the demand for support as the number of families accessing the Food Banks are at record levels. Children and Youth are also in need, as community organizations work to fund summer camps, educational needs for the return to school in September, or even the basic needs to survive. Needs that include safe shelter, funds for clothing and other basic necessities. Your donation of leftover Foreign Currency will make a difference. Remember, donations of leftover holiday cash can help children, families, seniors, those trying to improve their mental health and many other needs in our community. I have an idea… what if you donated all of the leftover Foreign Currency you have from your summer vacation or travels to a charitable organization? I'm not referring to your disposable income or your vacation fund for the next trip. GCS is encouraging you to donate those coins and bank notes that will not be accepted by the currency exchange or bank. Please keep in mind, ALL CURRENCY ACCEPTED , regardless of the amount, date of circulation, condition of the currency, etc. All currency has a value, maybe not here in our community – but when repatriated back to the country of origin, the exchange into Canadian funds continues to make a difference. To date over $25 million has been processed thanks to donors like you. This may be great news. But, when you consider there is an estimated $2-3 Billion still available in Canada, there is much more we can do to support charitable work in our communities. Be sure to set a reminder on your phone or calendar to donate your leftover Foreign Currency at the end of the summer . Together we can make a real difference. Helping to Change the World, One Cent at a Time . For over ten years, Global Coin Solutions (GCS) has been repatriating leftover Foreign Currency in support of charities and not-for-profit organizations. During this time, https://www.facebook.com/CurrencyForFood/, hand sorted, repatriated and at the end of the process donated to hundreds of charitable organizations. Visit GCS on YouTube for more information. Did You Know? If you are seeking a charity to receive your donation, or if your charity of choice is not aware of Foreign Currency Collection Programs, please reach out to the team at Global Coin Solutions (GCS) and we’ll ensure that your donation is processed and the funds are provided to assist your charity of choice. Please visit the GCS website for more information https://www.globalcoinsolutions.com/ . For more information contact Dennis Ullman, Vice-President – Innovation and Development, Global Coin Solutions dennis@globalcoinsolutions.com or visit Global Coin Solutions today.
By Dennis Ullman August 27, 2025
Perspective from over 30 years of fund-raising experience We have been hearing so much about “change” throughout the past couple of months. During the election campaigns, everyone spoke of a better Canada, time for a change, etc. I heard many years ago that “everyone wants progress and growth, but very few want to experience change” In fact, we are often fearful of real change. At the same time, we complain about the political situation, finances, local leaders and now, regardless of the final outcome – many people will be unhappy with the results of the recent federal election. Take the United States for example, “everyone” wanted change, so the majority voted in President Trump. Yes, he is making drastic changes, but people are complaining about the changes. The way to make a real difference or make a significant change, is to do something different that will hopefully bring about something new, different results, perhaps something better for all. If we don’t implement or try something different or new… change will never take place. Hopefully we can agree that reducing the need for Food Banks, minimizing impact of import/export tariffs, and a solution that would provide access to affordable housing would be a real change. I have an idea… what if we took all of the leftover Foreign Currency we have and donated it to a charitable organization? Yes, taking our change (coins) and using them to support real change in our community and in fact the entire country. What if we stopped storing up our leftover foreign currency, bank notes and coins and instead we donated this currency to help support change. I can hear the responses coming through already. How would this be possible? It will never make an impact, etc. What we do know is that Food Banks report that you can actually feed an adult or small family for around $75 per week. Some may argue, but the source of this statistic comes from the Food Bank networks… Let’s do the math… $100K in donations would feed over 133,000 for a week… to feed 133,000 for a year would cost approximately $5.2 Million. Considering that there is between $2-3 Billion available in leftover foreign currency, this is actually very realistic. With lots of potential funds still available to assist with the need for affordable housing and other needs in the community. We could assist seniors, disadvantaged youth, children living invulnerable situations, mental heath supports, summer camps for kids and the list goes on… What we need to do is make a real change. Rather than storing up our leftover foreign currency, which is what the majority of us currently do. We also have no real plan to use these funds and we can’t exchange most of the coins and some denominations into Canadian currency. So, now is the time to take our “change” and make a real change in our country. We don’t need to ask the government for additional funding or their permission to donate our leftover foreign currency. So, let’s go ahead make a real difference by donating to our charity of choice TODAY! The donation of leftover foreign currency does not come from our disposable income, so no direct impact on our day-to-day living. It’s time to donate those bags, boxes and containers of currency you were not able to return to the bank or currency exchange. Are you willing to make a real change? While helping to minimize the impact of the negative and strive to make life more positive for our family, friends and neighbours For over ten years, Global Coin Solutions (GCS) has been repatriating leftover Foreign Currency in support of charities and not-for-profit organizations. During this time, over $20 million was collected, hand sorted, repatriated and at the end of the process donated to hundreds of charitable organizations. Visit the GCS on YouTube for more information. Did You Know? If you are seeking a charity to receive your donation, or if your charity of choice is not aware of Foreign Currency Collection Programs, reach out to the team at Global Coin Solutions (GCS) and we’ll ensure that your donation is processed and the funds are provided to assist your charity of choice. Please visit the GCS website for more information https://www.globalcoinsolutions.com/ . Your donations could help to support Currency for Kids, Currency for Food or many other organizations. Please donate your leftover foreign currency today. Now is the time for you to begin helping to Change the World, One Cent at a Time. For more information contact Dennis Ullman, Vice-President – Innovation and Development, Global Coin Solutions dennis@globalcoinsolutions.com or visit Global Coin Solutions today.