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Mar 01, 2023

How To Start A Foreign Currency Charity Program

Understand the Basics


Collecting leftover foreign currency is not a difficult thing to do. When you think of a toy drive, a food drive, collecting pennies or bottle returns, none of those collections are difficult. Sure, they require planning and awareness and there are some logistics involved, but everyone understands the basic concept.


Collecting leftover foreign currency is very similar: in each of the other drives, the donor is being asked to donate something, and that something is not something they are likely to have with them. No one is carrying around a new unwrapped toy or a bag of non-perishable food items … and certainly no one has all of their bottle returns with them. So asking for foreign currency is the same; you are asking people to get their leftover foreign currency from wherever they may have it and bring it to the location at the date and time specified.


Let’s Break It Down


Any sort of fundraising drive is composed of only a couple of things: who is collecting, why the collection is happening, what is being collected, where the collection(s) will happen, and when the drive will take place. Any sort of drive is only as successful as the planning behind it.


Who


Who is collecting tells a story all on its own. If the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation is asking for donations, most people will intuitively understand the donation will supporting children in Durham Region.


Why


When you hear about a toy or food drive, you have a pretty good idea why those items are being collected. A penny drive or bottle drive is about raising funds and that can be for anything and so can a foreign currency drive.

This is where your story comes in.

You need to clearly explain why you are collecting funds and what they are going to be used for … this is your opportunity to get the empathetic donor. The why is more important than the what and can even be more important than who the charity is.

If the why is valid, the donation will follow.


What


You need to articulate what you want. We have all heard the terms “new unwrapped toy” or “non-perishable food item” and when you hear about a toy or food drive happening, you know what they want even if they don’t say. When it comes to collecting leftover foreign currency, there is a little bit of a challenge since it is not a common method of fundraising (yet). We have recommended that all of our charity partners use “#AllCurrencyAccepted” in all of their social media posts to create awareness across programs which will help everyone. We also use the phrases “Any Currency, Any Amount” to make it very clear what is being asked for. The globes below were used for the Fired-Up Gala for SickKids on Friday February 24, 2023 at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto.

Where & When


If this is a one-time event, making sure everyone knows where and when donations will be accepted is extremely important. One-time events (drives) will need plenty of marketing (social media and other if funds allow) to reach your audience. You can’t start too far out or people will forget but you also can’t start too late or no one will know about the event.


If you are running an ongoing program, it is important to remind your donors about your program periodically. A gentle nudge here and there, an update on the success of the program, or asking donors to post pictures of themselves making a donation is a good way to engage your audience. An on-going program is also a great way to partner with businesses in the community and to support them by promoting their locations as places your donors can drop off their donations.


Event Based vs. On-going Program


As with most means of fundraising, some work great being a one-off while others make more sense as a long-term, ongoing program. Foreign currency fundraising is one of those that work well in either instance, it just depends on what is right for your organization.


Foreign currency donations can be added to any event-based fundraising. Simply add it as a method of donating and you are good to go! It can be added to a food or toy drive (they both usually accept cash donations anyway). Collecting leftover foreign currency during a bottle drive makes perfect sense since they are both recycling these items. And if you are considering a penny drive, adding foreign currency to the mix could drive up the overall value received by as much as 20X!

Foreign currency fundraising is perfect for a long-term, on-going program. It gives the organization time to explain the concept and if you are working with a 3rd party to host the collection containers, you can not only build a great relationship with that 3rd party, but you can also promote them as your charity partner and support them! Durham Children’s Aid Foundation has a great method of supporting their community partners … they’ve created a Google Map linking to every location. It not only shows the donor where they can drop off donations but creates awareness for those businesses!


Mail-in Option


Believe it or not, but people will mail their donations if you give them the opportunity. Durham Children’s Aid Foundation does this and they have donations mailed in from across Canada, from the United States, and they have even received a donation from as far away as Hong Kong!


UNICEF USA’s Change for Good program invites Americans to mail in donations of any currency. Big or small, your charity can take advantage of this too.


Let Us Help You


Give us a call or send us an e-mail to connect and explore ways we can help implement new or enhance your existing fundraising initiatives.


We can be reached at:

+1-647-351-COIN (2646) or scott@globalcoinsolutions.com.

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It’s Easy, Fun and Summer is a Great Time to Begin

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.

Businesses Supporting Foreign Currency Collections

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.

Cleaning, Travelling or Re-organizing during Spring Break?

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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