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March 1, 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 forSickKids on Friday February 24, 2023 at the   Ritz-Carlton Toronto. 

Two gumball machines are sitting on a carpet in a room.

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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Taking the Positive to Help the Negative

By Dennis Ullman • March 23, 2025
As I began to compose this article so many ideas, thoughts and events filled my brain. With Spring now officially here, snow melting, temperatures warming and people feeling more optimistic… to the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Global Money Week, Spring/March Break vacations, or for those who like to check items off their “To Do List”… spring cleaning. There is so much going on these days. With the political situation in North America taking over the headlines (i.e., elections, tariffs) we can get overwhelmed so easily. Then we turn the page or go to the next news update and see the negative impact of the rising cost of living and the crisis currently facing Food Banks across the country. I’m hoping that we don’t get too distracted by the negativity of some of these events and situations. Wouldn’t it be great if we could take the positive and use it to help improve some of the negative situations? Well, there is a way we can do this together. People often refer to me as being very optimistic… and yes I’m an optimist. I live with hope that everyday will be a great one, that we can work together to help each other in times of need. So how can we take the positive (vacations, spring time, etc.) and use these situations to help minimize the impact of the negative? Minimizing the impact from the food bank crisis, tariffs, lack of affordable housing, etc. I have an idea… what if we completed our spring cleaning, decluttering, reorganizing after Spring/March Break and took all of the leftover Foreign Currency we have and donated it to the Charity of Our Choice? You may say… will this really make a difference? Great question… before the answer let’s ask another question: Could the organizations in our community, province or country use $2-3 Billion in donations? Thinking, we can all agree that if over $2 Billion would be donated this would make a tremendous impact to charities and non-profit organizations across Canada. The answer to both questions is resounding YES . The donation of foreign currency does not come from our disposable income, so no direct impact on our day-to-day living. The source of donations of Foreign Currency would come from the leftover coins and bank notes we have accumulated at home or office, that have no real purpose or use at this time. Yes, I’m referring to the bags, boxes and containers of currency you were not able to return to the bank or currency exchange. This currency does have value, but no value for us at this time. I know that Starbucks or Tim's won’t accept it for our daily coffee or tea… I also know that the grocery store won’t accept it as payment for our food and I’m certain the utilities commission will not accept payment for hydro, gas or water bills. BUT… I am 100% certain that if you donated your leftover Foreign Currency to your Charity of Choice, the currency would be repatriated and in turn the proceeds would be donated to help minimize the negative. Your donation would help the Food Banks purchase more food, help a homeless person with the cost of shelter, assist a youth who is feeling hopeless, help support a senior citizen who struggles with their mobility, etc. and the list of needs is extensive. So… are you willing to help change the narrative while helping to minimize the impact of the negative and strive to make life more positive for our family, friends and neighbours?? As we celebrate Global Money Week, let’s work together to better educate the youth about the use of money, investments, etc. and let’s make a personal commitment to donate our leftover Foreign Currency today!! For ten years , Global Coin Solutions (GCS) has been repatriating leftover Foreign Currency in support of charities and not-for-profit organizations. During this time, over $20 million was collected, hand sorted, repatriated and at the end of the process donated to hundreds of charitable organizations. Visit the GCS on YouTube for more information. Did You Know? People keep leftover Foreign Currency in the strangest places. For some added suggestions while adding a bit of fun to your day, visit the GCS YouTube Channel and watch some great videos. If you’re still wondering where your leftover Foreign Currency is… I’d suggest you check in boxes that are tucked away, desk drawers, tea cups, cookie tins, suitcases, vases, etc. Perhaps you started on spring cleaning, or maybe you are downsizing, have an estate to settle after the passing of a loved one or you want to start reorganizing your home or office. No doubt, you will find some leftover Foreign Currency that could be donated. If you are seeking a charity to receive your 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 is processed and the funds are provided to assist your charity of choice. Please visit the GCS website for more information https://www.globalcoinsolutions.com. Now is the time for you to use the positive to help minimize the negative by helping to Change 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.

Celebrating Love!

By Dennis Ullman • February 13, 2025
Perspective from over 30 years of fund-raising experience On Valentines Day we celebrate love. Sounds great, we see lots of hearts, flowers, cards being shared, lots of posts on social media and the list goes on. But what is love? Some say it’s an emotionally driven action. In the words of Thomas Aquinas… “To love is to will the good of the other” . The team at GCS shows love by assisting others to be able to do their essential work to help make our community, province and country a better place to live, survive and thrive to meet the needs of others. Recently, GCS hosted a celebration to mark the 10th Anniversary of Global Coin Solutions . This event gave us a chance to meet with friends, family, clients, business partners and charity representatives. People who attended, brought greetings of congratulations, best wishes and the sharing of love. They were there to encourage GCS, helping us to do the will of the others (i.e., charity) we support. Demonstrating love!! Last year, my article was about Love and Touchdowns, probably influenced by the craze of the Super Bowl. This past year, love was in the air again at the Super Bowl with many references to Taylor Swift and Mr. Kelce 😊. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, the Eagles scored more touchdowns and won the Super Bowl. Fans would say, we LOVE our team, whether it be the Chiefs or the Eagles. Fans show their love by cheering on their favourite team and through the purchase of tickets, jerseys and many other team related merchandise. As Global Coin Solutions (GCS) celebrates 10 years of repatriating leftover Foreign Currency in support of charities and not-for-profit organizations, lets keep in mind that over $20 million has been collected , hand sorted, repatriated and at the end of the process donated to hundreds of charitable organizations. Visit the GCS on YouTube for more information. Did You Know? If $20 million was donated to support the good of others, imagine what could be done with the remainder of the $2 - $3 Billion that is still available in Canada. Available for what you may ask? Available for donation to your charity of choice. From a conservative perspective, if $20 million was donated, and there is over $1 Billion available (reminder I’m being conservative), my math skills would indicate that today there is still over $980 Million available for donation. You can assist by beginning with your donation of your leftover Foreign Currency. Honestly, you may be wondering where is my leftover currency? If you don’t know where it is, you probably don’t have a planned use for it either. Which in turn means that you could donate something that you have no real use for at this time. By making this donation, you would be showing love, by supporting “the will of the good of others”. If you’re still wondering where your leftover Foreign Currency is… I’d suggest you check in boxes that are tucked away, desk drawers, tea cups, cookie tins, vases – yes a very common place to keep leftover coins and banknotes. Perhaps in a suitcase, at the office or of course – in a plastic bag that is tucked away… people keep leftover Foreign Currency in the strangest places. For some added suggestions and to add a bit of fun to your day, visit the GCS YouTube Channel and watch some great videos . Perhaps you are getting a head start on spring cleaning. Maybe you are downsizing, have an estate to settle after the passing of a loved one or you want to start reorganizing your home or office. No doubt, you will find some leftover Foreign Currency that could be donated. What plans do you have for your leftover Foreign Currency? Keeping in mind any amount, any time can be donated… any denomination – coins or bank notes can be donated. If you are seeking a charity to receive your donation, or if your charity of choice is not aware of Foreign Currency Collection Programs (FCCP), please reach out to the team at Global Coin Solutions (GCS) and we’ll ensure that your thoughtful donation of Foreign Currency is processed and the funds are provided to assist your charity of choice. Please visit the GCS website for more information https://www.globalcoinsolutions.com/ . Imagine for a moment, the social impact from over $2 Billion in donations. Millions of people could be assisted through your sharing of love to help with food security, mental health assistance, housing/shelter, education, assistance for seniors, youth, children and the possibilities are endless. Let us work together as we help to build a better place to live for everyone who calls Canada home. Now is the time to show your love for others by helping to Change 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.

Celebrating Anniversaries and other Special Occassions?

By Dennis Ullman • January 30, 2025
Hoping you have many reasons to celebrate in 2025. Celebrations can take on many themes or formats and provide opportunities to spend time with special guests, family, colleagues, neighbours, business partners, etc. Thinking that everyone loves a special occasion and a good reason to celebrate. Global Coin Solutions (GCS) is very excited to be celebrating… 10 years of repatriating Leftover Foreign Currency for various companies (i.e., transit commissions) and most importantly in support of charities and not-for-profit organizations (i.e. Airline Foundations, Airports, Currency for Kids, Food Banks) . Over $20 million has been collected, hand sorted, repatriated and at the end of the process donated to hundreds of charitable organizations. Donations of Leftover Foreign Currency can make a positive impact on communities across Canada and beyond. Did You Know? In 2024, Canada Helps reported that 940,000 Canadians made donations totaling over $483 Million, helping to support more than 44,000 charities nationwide. This is a great achievement during times of struggle for many Canadians and their families. Thanks to businesses and individuals for their generosity. Imagine if we could increase these donations by 200%, by 300% or even 400%. Imagine what could be achieved with $2 – $3 BILLION in donations. I’m sure you’ll agree, wouldn’t this be great! BUT… here comes the hesitation and the question. How could we possibly do this? The answer is simpler than you may think. Begin by donating your Leftover Foreign Currency. The $483 Million in donations made in 2024 were from people’s discretionary funds. Funds that in some cases are needed to meet the day-to-day costs of living. Tough decisions to make, a real sacrifice to support the charitable sector and those in need of assistance. What if you didn’t need to consider taking from your discretionary funds and you could donate money that currently has no use or purpose at this time? With $2 - $3 Billion of Foreign Currency available in Canada , we could easily increase the annual amount donated by 200 – 400%. Donations of Leftover holiday cash that is currently being stored in boxes, bags, cookie tins, tea cups, desk drawers, etc. would have no impact on your day-to-day living expenses. Sounds like a win-win situation. Perhaps you are getting a head start on spring cleaning. Maybe you are downsizing, have an estate to tidy up after the passing of a loved one or you want to start reorganizing your own home. No doubt, we all have some Leftover Foreign Currency that could be donated. Yes, you can make a difference by donating your Leftover Foreign Currency. A donation of Leftover Foreign Currency would probably have no impact on your current standard of living. No impact on you and your family, BUT – a huge and positive impact on the charity of your choice. As we are now well into the New Year of 2025, what plans do you have for your Leftover Foreign Currency? Keeping in mind Any Currency, Any Amount can be donated… any denomination – coins or bank notes can be donated. Here are a few ideas to help you plan for 2025: Donate your Leftover Foreign Currency to the Charity of YOUR Choice Encourage your family and friends to donate their Leftover Foreign Currency Initiate an employee drive or campaign at work. Seeing who can donate the most Leftover Foreign Currency! Invite your church, club, school or sports team to collect Leftover Foreign Currency to raise funds for trips, equipment, etc. Spread the word on your social media. Letting everyone know about this great idea. Be sure to use the hashtags #allcurrencyaccepted #anycurrencyanyamount If you are seeking a charity to receive your donation, or if your charity of choice is not aware of Foreign Currency Collection Programs (FCCP), please reach out to the team at Global Coin Solutions (GCS) and we’ll ensure that your thoughtful donation of Foreign Currency is processed and the funds are provided to assist your charity of choice. Please visit the GCS website for more information https://www.globalcoinsolutions.com/ . Imagine for a moment , the social impact from over $2 Billion in donations. Yes, millions of people could be assisted through the provision of support to help with food security, mental health assistance, housing/shelter, education and the possibilities are endless. Let us work together by donating our Leftover foreign currency as we help to build a better country for everyone who calls Canada home. 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 dennis@globalcoinsolutions.com or visit Global Coin Solutions today.
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