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Jan 16, 2023

Global Coin Solutions: The Journey To 8 Years


Global Coin Solutions was started in 2015 after the previous company I had been working for was shut down. This left me in a very difficult position: what do I do next, what happens to my employees, and what happens to the charity partners I had?


What happens now?

Me: Do I go try to find another job? I was almost 50 … who wants to hire someone at almost 50? Also, I really enjoyed what I had been doing; helping put money into charities pockets.


My employees: What happens to them? They were going to be out of a job and that didn’t sit very well with me!


My charity partners: They were involved in a very unique method of fundraising. Without someone to help them, there would be over $1 Million of donations that just disappeared.


Time for a change!

The answer: Create a new company that would not only solve all these challenges but also open new opportunities to help even more charities. This would also allow me to create a company built around the values I had instead of someone else’s.


February 10, 2015 was the day Global Coin Solutions came to life!

My vision from the start was simple: I wanted to help as many charities as possible and put people to work. The math on this is straightforward; the more charities we help, the more money gets raised, and the more people it takes to do that work.


My vision has grown over time. 

It now includes employing people with Autism. They have an ability most of us don’t have; the ability to handle repetitive tasks … and not just the ability to do that, but the need to work on repetitive things. 

Most recently I have had Global Coin Solutions Certified as a Living Wage Employer. This too is important to me because it is the simply the right thing to do … how can your employees focus on their work if they are worried about putting food on the table or paying for housing or other bills? 

Sir Richard Branson has many views on business that I believe in, but one of his most important is taking care of your employees; take care of your employees and they will take care of the clients.


The pandemic changed everything.

Prior to the pandemic, Global Coin Solutions was doing very well. We worked with 4 different airlines in North America (and even 1 in Iceland), several airports in Canada, had different charity clients, and employed 10 staff. We were processing close to $3 Million worth of mixed currency weighing over 22,500 kgs per year!


Shortly after the pandemic hit, Global Coin Solutions became a company of 1: me. Having to layoff my staff was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. But airlines in Canada stopped flying, international airlines were not allowed to cross borders, people were told to stay home … needless to say, there wasn’t much foreign currency being collected by anyone, anywhere. 


My new job was to keep Global Coin Solutions alive; alive for my employees to come back to; alive for my charity partners to raise funds again; alive for all the charities I hadn’t yet started working with or people I hadn’t yet employed.


Global Coin Solutions is more than just “a business”.

In case it isn’t clear, Global Coin Solutions isn’t just a business for me. It is a way of life; it is a calling. And it isn’t going anywhere! There are too many charities that need help. There are too many people who need jobs. There is too much that needs to be done and with 8 years under our belt, Global Coin Solutions is just getting started!


2023 is shaping up to be a recovery year for Global Coin Solutions and foreign currency fundraising.

Currency for Kids was launched last year with 12 Children’s Aid Foundations across Ontario and it continues to pickup momentum. The program is successful because of the partnerships the Foundations are creating with local businesses. Collection points are needed in the community so that residents can easily drop off their donations. So while the focus of the program is to generate donations and create awareness for the Foundations, it also creates awareness, generates traffic, and builds goodwill for the businesses supporting the program.


We are also working on a new program (soon to be announced) with a national retailer who launched their own Foundation in March of 2020. The synergy between the retail operation, their Foundation, and leftover foreign currency will be obvious.


2023 brings a new website and blog to Global Coin Solutions. 2023 also celebrates our brand-new web site and this new blog. Please stay tuned as there will be much more to come and we’ll be covering all topics as they relate to leftover foreign currency, and not just from the fundraising point of view.


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By Dennis Ullman 02 Jul, 2024
Perspective from over 30 years of experience successfully raising funds for charities. Its official, summer is here! HOORAY! A great time to visit, enjoy picnics, walks, swimming and of course… travelling . With kids now out of school for a couple months, many people take their vacation during the summer. Time to plan your vacation. Travel can require a trip to your local Currency Exchange, like Continental Currency Exchange , Global Currency Services , Ultimate Currency , Wellington Foreign Exchange , Foreign Currency Exchange Shop or Currency Convertors . There are other currency exchanges, but this group is a very special one. This group of currency exchanges supports a program that collects Leftover Foreign Currency. The program being supported is Currency for Kids . However, donations of foreign currency can help to support the charity of your choice as well. Yes, it is very easy. You can donate your leftover coins and bank notes, you know the ones not accepted by the banks or currency exchange. With every donation you are helping to support children and youth in communities across Ontario. Imagine that, something you might have thrown away, left in a bag or box… and forgotten about, can be put to great use. Now that’s EASY!! It’s easy for most people to enjoy the summer months, as long as you have air conditioning 😊. People often love the summer as they can travel, visit with family, enjoy a camp fire, attend festivals or concerts, go for ice cream and for some perhaps a quick dance in the rain is their choice. With so many people going on vacation, you may be missing your co-workers or perhaps you are wondering how can we stay in touch through the summer months? Many businesses love to have Employee Engagement activities to build team morale and keep the staff connected. This can be difficult during the summer months. Here is an EASY way to keep staff connected while helping the charity of your choice. How easy is it to begin a Foreign Currency Collection program? You simply let EVERYONE know that your business is collecting leftover foreign currency to support charity. After selecting your Charity of Choice , spread the news via email, newsletters, social media, family, friends, word of mouth, etc. Perhaps a contest would work. Prizes could be awarded to the employee, employee group or department that raises the most funds during the summer. Perhaps ending the contest during the week after Labour Day. Once the donations are collected, simply contact Global Coins Solutions and they will do the rest to ensure that the maximum donation is forwarded to your designated charity. Employee Engagement opportunities promote and support recycling, preservation of the environment while providing an opportunity for employees to support charity. This program does not have any expenses attached, no cost to host a program, no cost to employers, etc. Yes, this is so easy. A great way to stay in touch over the summer months. Perhaps biweekly updates are shared with staff to help determine who raises the most funds this summer and keep the competitive spirit alive… Once we realize the potential opportunity that donations of Leftover Foreign Currency have, we can help make our communities a better place for all. It’s time to give leftover Foreign Currency a significant purpose – helping those who need support. Time to organize a Staff Campaign! Donations of Foreign Currency can be directed to any charity of YOUR choice. Think about the needs of Food Banks, Housing/Shelters, Children, the fight against Human Trafficking, Seniors, Youth and New-comers to Canada. They could all use your support. “All Currency Is Accepted” regardless of the country of origin, denomination, amount or if it’s in or out of circulation. Don’t delay, it’s time to organize a campaign to collect leftover Foreign Currency. If you are seeking a charity for your donations , 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 be assured that your donation is processed and the funds are provided to assist the charity or non-profit of your choice. Donations can be mailed directly to GCS for processing or drop them off at a Foreign Currency Collection location . Visit the GCS website for more information https://www.globalcoinsolutions.com/ . Submit donations today and start changing the world, one cent at a time. For more information contact Dennis Ullman, Vice-President (Volunteer) – Innovation and Development, Global Coin Solutions at dennis@globalcoinsolutions.com or visit Global Coin Solutions today. GCS is celebrating 9 years of supporting charities throughout North America.
By Dennis Ullman 17 May, 2024
Often people think that Charities and non-profit organizations are always after the private sector to donate and support their mission. Yes, there is some truth to this as the charitable sector scrambles for support. Charities are challenged as government support decreases and the availability of financial donations from discretionary income become less and less frequent. With many people struggling, there is more pressure on charities to provide support (i.e., Food Banks) and less donations are being realized as people cope with increased interest rates, food prices, costs of housing, etc. There is a way for businesses and corporations to support charities and non-profits without breaking the bank on their marketing and sponsorship budget. As we initiate and develop healthy relationships between charity and the private sector, let’s consider an innovative method of generating funds. These relationships can begin as a simple campaign. Perhaps a Foreign Currency Collection program would be a good opportunity to “test the waters”, and see if there is genuine alignment between charity and business. One-way charities can encourage the private sector to support charities is through the development of Employee Engagement opportunities. Just like penny drives, or the donations of a Loonie for “Dress Down Fridays”. How about engaging and challenging employees to donate their leftover Foreign Currency? Currency is often left over from personal or business travels. Do you know people who often travel for pleasure or business? Ask them – what do you plan to do with your leftover currency? Along with boosting employee morale and assistance with team building, the collection of Leftover Foreign Currency can be a great time to discuss people’s culture, past travels, family heritage, etc. Employee Engagement opportunities can promote and support recycling, preservation of the environment while providing an opportunity for charity and business to work together. Based on a conservative estimate that each Canadian has approximately $50.00 available in leftover Foreign Currency. This totals over $2 Billion being available in Canada today. For a moment, imagine if a staff of 2 – 5 employees each brought in their leftover Foreign Currency. These donations would generate $100 - $250 for a charity. This could buy diapers for a new born baby, living with a single parent. How about if 10-15 employees hosted a campaign and raised over $750, this donation could help feed a small family who is relying on the local Food Bank for assistance. Let’s consider a staff of 50 – 75 employees, all donating their leftover Foreign Currency… the results would help fund a scholarship to assist a student who lives in poverty and is wanting to obtain a post-secondary education. For the larger corporations with 100+ staff, well over $5000 could result in a donation in support of a local charity that supports women who require shelter from an abusive situation. Once we realize the potential opportunity that donations of Leftover Foreign Currency have, we can help make our communities a better place for all. It’s time to give Leftover Foreign Currency that is currently serving no purpose, a significant purpose – helping to assist those who need support. Time to organize a Staff Campaign! It’s time to let everyone know that donations of Foreign Currency can make a positive impact to charities in Canada. Global Coin Solutions has been receiving, repatriating and distributing donations to many charity partners. DONATIONS of Foreign Currency can be directed to any charity of YOUR choice. Think about the needs of the local Food Bank, Housing issues, Shelters, Children, the fight against Human Trafficking, Seniors, Youth and New-comers to Canada. They could all use support. GIFTS of Foreign Currency will provide hope to people in our communities who are in desperate need of assistance. NOW WHAT? “All Currency Is Accepted” regardless of the country of origin, denomination, amount or if it’s in or out of circulation. Don’t delay… encourage your place of business to organize a campaign to collect leftover Foreign Currency. Make it a contest to see which department can raise the most funds. If you are seeking a charity for 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 be ensured that your donation is processed and the funds are provided to assist the charity or non-profit of your choice. Donations can be mailed directly to GCS for processing or drop them off at a foreign Currency Collection location . Visit the GCS website for more information https://www.globalcoinsolutions.com/ . Submit donations today and start changing the world, one cent at a time. For more information contact Dennis Ullman, Vice-President (Volunteer) – Innovation and Development, Global Coin Solutions at dennis@globalcoinsolutions.com or visit Global Coin Solutions today. GCS is celebrating 9 years of supporting charities throughout North America.
By Dennis Ullman 22 Apr, 2024
Perspective from over 30 years of experience successfully raising funds for charity. The weather is beginning to feel warmer and the sun is shining almost every day. Be sure to take a walk outside and see that spring is showing signs of new growth. For those who are not traveling as part of March Break, you may be looking forward to cleaning up around your home, garage, yard or business. As you begin the process of purging and decluttering while completing your spring cleaning, be sure to set aside your leftover Foreign Currency. For those who are wanting even warmer temperatures and have decided to travel during the break, be sure to save your leftover coins and bank notes from your trip. This Leftover currency can be donated to the charity of your choice after the Spring Break. DID YOU KNOW? The average household has approximately $60 in Leftover Foreign Currency that is currently serving no real purpose. People keep leftover foreign currency in the strangest places. Watch these videos to help remind you where your leftover currency may be found. YOUR DONATION of Leftover Foreign Currency will help those who are less fortunate in the community, who are struggling to make ends meet. Reflect on the needs of people who rely on community-based Food Banks or those who are living in vulnerable situations and are in need of safe and secure Housing . Donations can be directed to any charity of YOUR choice. YOUR GIFT of Leftover Foreign Currency, can provide the Gift of Hope for children, youth, seniors, families and newcomers to Canada. Imagine how much assistance would be provided if all Canadians donated their leftover Foreign Currency. Keeping in mind, there is over $2 Billion in available Foreign Currency and the flow of Foreign Currency continues to arrive in Canada every day. NOW WHAT? Begin by donating your Leftover Foreign Currency to the charity of your choice. This is a painless way to provide assistance and put your Leftover Foreign Currency to great use in the community. It’s time to donate the currency you have stored away in a box, bag, vase 😊, desk drawer, suitcase, backpack, etc. Why are you hoarding your Leftover Foreign Currency? “All Currency Is Accepted” regardless of the country of origin, denomination, amount or if it’s in or out of circulation. Don’t delay… Start by donating and then spread the word and let your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours know that “donations of Leftover Foreign Currency can help others”. If you are seeking a charity for 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 the charity or non-profit of your choice. Donations can be mailed directly to GCS for processing or drop them off at a foreign Currency Collection location . Did You Know? There are no upfront costs for a charity to receive donations of Leftover Foreign Currency. Be sure to visit the GCS website for more information https://www.globalcoinsolutions.com/ . After you move your clock ahead, no matter if you cleaned or traveled, by sure to submit your donation and start changing the world, one cent at a time. It’s time to Spring Forward, don’t waste anytime… submit your donation of Leftover Foreign Currency. For more information contact Dennis Ullman, Vice-President (Volunteer) – Innovation and Development, Global Coin Solutions dennis@globalcoinsolutions.com or visit Global Coin Solutions today. GCS is celebrating 9 years of supporting charities throughout North America.
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