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Oct 08, 2023

Why Charities Should Collect Foreign Currency

A Charity Perspective

A few years ago, a gentleman visited the national office of a non-profit/charitable organization. His visit was introducing the organization to an amazing opportunity for raising funds. This innovative opportunity has virtually no upfront costs and with minimal effort, donations could literally begin arriving daily. Sounds too good to be true? Well, unfortunately they thought so. Keeping in mind, the collection of Foreign Currency has been very successful throughout the U.K., Europe, and Australia for many years. Some charities fund their programs 100% through the collection of Foreign Currency. Seeing the amazing opportunity, I was subsequently able to arrange a meeting with Scott Hutchings and this has led to the development of some amazing fund-raising programs to help assist the charitable sector.


In a few years, tens of thousands of dollars have been raised in support of people with disabilities, children, youth and families, food banks and many other local and national charities. The program is simple and is based on the collection of leftover Foreign Currency. Foreign Currency you might ask, who has Foreign Currency? Well, the truth is, most people have forgotten about the leftover Foreign Currency they have tucked away in their homes, cottages, boats and offices. Yes, I’m referring to the coins and notes that you have in bags, boxes, tea cups, plastic containers, etc. These coins and notes, even Canadian Tire money can be used to help support millions of Canadians who require assistance from your favourite charity, or non-profit organization.

Did You Know?

In Canada, there is over $2 Billion in Foreign Currency that is serving no purpose other than being kept for? Not really sure… perhaps the grandkids will play with it on a rainy day, maybe you’re thinking one day I’ll go back to Portugal or another Foreign country you visited back in the day. With over $2 Billion in Foreign Currency available, imagine how your donations could assist the charity of your choice. Let’s break it down a bit further, there is approximately $850 Million in available Foreign Currency in Ontario. If you live in the eastern part of the GTA, there is estimated to be over $35 Million available for use in the charitable sector. In Durham Region that would equate to over 70 organizations each receiving $500,000. Keeping in mind, these donations are not Restricted Funds. In most cases they don’t require charitable tax receipts and donor stewardship is minimal. If that isn’t enough, through donations of Foreign Currency – donors would be keeping these coins and notes out of the landfills as the Currency are in fact repatriated and returned to their country of origin. This also helps to save countries around the world from having to produce additional coins and notes. The collection of Foreign Currency, truly is a win, win… win opportunity.

Imagine for a moment, how Canadian non-profit/charitable organizations could benefit from over $2 Billion in donations. Thinking longer term, this would ease the burden on the government who are often called upon to fund charitable organizations. In turn, over $2 Billion could be used to meet other essential needs in our country, provinces and your local community. Not sure how the various governments would deploy the extra $2 Billion, but that is a topic for another time.

How Does Your Charity Start To Benefit From Funds Available Through Foreign Currency Donations?

With minimal up-front costs and effort, your charity could begin benefitting from the collection of Foreign Currency… TODAY. The biggest hurdle facing the collection of Foreign Currency is that people are simply unaware that leftover Foreign Currency can be put to great use in their community. The first step in starting a Foreign Currency collection program is to share the message. This does not require a massive marketing plan, major allotment of staff resources, etc. You can simply begin with 2-3 methods of getting the word out to people. 


First step: Compose a brief email that you can share with family, friends, co-workers, volunteers, donors, etc. (be sure to Bcc your contact list) and let them know that their leftover Foreign Currency has value that can be donated to support your favourite non-profit/charitable organization. They can simply mail in or drop-off their leftover coins, notes or Canadian Tire money. No special collectors or containers are required. In the past, we’ve received donations in plastic bags, small boxes, envelopes, old cookie tins, etc. Note: the Currency does not need to be sorted or organized.


Tip: You may want to specify what the funds will be used for, a specific charity, a special program or simply ask people to identify what charity they want to support.


Second Step: To help share the news to a wider audience, simply put out a few posts on your social media platforms. Keep the message simple #allCurrencyaccepted . A reminder every month would help keep this in the minds of your Followers.


Third Step: Be sure to share the information that Foreign Currency donations can have a significant impact on non-profits/charity in your day-to-day conversations. Great topic over drinks, at a networking event, social functions, etc. People find the concept intriguing and most people love to support needs of those in their local community.

Why Wait, Now Is The 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 at drums@sympatico.ca or visit https://www.globalcoinsolutions.com/


In the next article, we’ll highlight simple cost-efficient methods for your charity to grow your program while building your organizations brand.

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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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