Perspective from over 30 years of experience successfully raising funds for charities. Hoping you enjoyed a great summer. As we experience the last blast of warm temperatures, let us not forget (sadly) that colder weather is on the way. Associated with colder weather comes the increased costs of basic needs (i.e., food, shelter). With a return to school for children, soon we’ll need to turn up the heat in our homes which increases costs for hydro and natural gas. With increasing utility costs and very high costs for food, the cost of living is currently extremely high. Food Banks are seeing record increases in the demand for food. Families are having to decide between feeding their children, housing costs and the cost of basic needs. There is just not enough money to meet all of the essentials for many people, leaving some facing homeless situations. All of these issues often lead to weaker mental health as the stress is simply too much, causing depression, anxiety and hopelessness. The issues seem to be impossible to solve at times. However, there is a way for each of us to help lower the negative impact and provide support for children, seniors and families. Remember those awesome summer travels? Well, what is your plan for the leftover coins and bank notes – the leftover “holiday cash”? Rather than packing it away in drawers, bags, boxes, vases, etc., think about how you can put the leftover currency to great use. Help your neighbours, families and local community by donating your leftover currency. You may say, well I only have a few coins, or only a couple of bank notes (and one that is slightly torn). Please be reminded that every coin can make a significant donation. Yes, you can help change the world, one cent at a time. One coin could provide a meal through a local Food Bank. Note: EACH of the coins in the picture above are all worth more than $1.00 … a SINGLE coin can make a big difference! We think that we need to solve the entire issue all at once. In reality, it takes a collaborative effort to begin tackling the issues. If we reflect on the food insecurity crisis in Canada, we need to understand that it will take many organizations (i.e., non-profits, charities, government) working together to positively change the situation. You can make a difference! Your donation of a few coins, or bank notes can help provide a meal for a child, school supplies for youth, or support activities for senior citizens. It’s time for us to think BIG, with our small donation of leftover currency. If 4-5 people made “small” donations, this could provide food for a week for a family. Now that’s big!! You can drop-off your donations to your local Currency Exchange. Partners like Continental Currency Exchange, Global Currency Services, Ultimate Currency, Wellington Foreign Exchange, Foreign Currency Exchange Shop or Currency Convertors accept donations of leftover foreign currency, supporting Currency for Kids. However, donations of foreign currency can help to support the charity of your choice. Charities such as the YWCA, Youth Foundations, Food Banks, Shelters, World Vision, UNICEF and local schools can benefit from your donation of leftover “holiday cash”. When reuniting with fellow employees… How was your summer? Where did you visit? Suggest that you celebrate the good times by hosting a special pre-Thanksgiving currency drive for your charity of choice. Employee Engagement activities of this nature help to build team morale. Start today, simply let EVERYONE know that your business is collecting leftover foreign currency. After selecting your Charity of Choice, spread the news via email, newsletters, social media, family, friends, word of mouth, etc. When the donations are collected, contact Global Coins Solutions (GCS) and they will do the rest to ensure that the maximum donation is forwarded to your designated charity. No need to sort your donations. Simply put the bags, boxes, etc. in a larger collector/container and the remainder of the processing is done by GCS. “All Currency Is Accepted” regardless of the country of origin, denomination, amount or if it’s in or out of circulation. 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 and be assured that your donation is processed and the funds are provided to support the needs of our communities. 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.

It’s Easy, Fun and Summer is a Great Time to Begin Foreign Currency Fundraising. Consider starting a foreign currency fundraising program today!

Businesses Supporting Foreign Currency Collections. In-house foreign currency collections are a great way to engage employees with the social causes most important to them.

Cleaning, Travelling or Re-organizing during Spring Break? Consider donating the leftover foreign currency from your trips to your favorite charity and social causes.

Rainy Days, Foreign Currency Flowing all around this Spring. Foreign currency that is leftover from travel, sitting around the house, or in a drawer can make a difference.