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.
