Blog Layout
October 8, 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.

RECENT ARTICLES :

SHARE THIS POST:

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.

End of Summer Travel

By Dennis Ullman • November 27, 2024
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.
Share by: